Forensic Analysis Of Leaning/Falling Gypsum Wallboard

Abstract

Gypsum Wallboard Is A Very Common Material Used In Residential And Commercial Construction. It Is Relatively Inexpensive To Purchase And Install. However, If Not Properly Stored On Site Prior To Its Installation, It Can Be A Source Of Property Damage, Injury, And Sometimes Death To The Layperson. The Author Has Over Thirty Years Experience Using Drywall In Residential And Commercial Construction. In That Time, The Author Has Known Of, And Has Been Personally Involved In Several Drywall Incidents. Fortunately, The Injuries, If Any, Were Inconsequential. The Experienced Construction Personnel Involved In Those Incidents Were Able To React To The Known Danger. It Is When The Layperson Comes Onto A Construction Site That Leaning Drywall Can Be Dangerous. This Paper Will Discuss The Results Of An Investigation Into The Death Of A 54 Year Old Woman (Plaintiff) On A Residential Construction Site In The Year 2000. The Plaintiff Was The Mother Of The Man Purchasing The New Residence. Both Were At The Incident Site To Inspect The Construction Progress. The Plaintiff Was Killed When Approximately Twenty-Six Sheets Of 4 x 12 x 1/2 Drywall Fell From A Leaning Position And Pinned Her Against The Interior Wood Structural Framing. The Investigation Involved An On-Site Inspection Where The Incident Took Place, Load Calculations, And The Review Of Numerous Depositions.