Verdict reached in 1st trial over claims FEMA trailers exposed hurricane victims to fumes

Verdict reached in trial involving FEMA trailers

NEW ORLEANS — Federal jurors have reached a verdict in the first trial over claims that government-issued trailers exposed Gulf Coast hurricane victims to potentially hazardous fumes.

After eight days of testimony, the jury heard closing arguments Thursday in the case against trailer manufacturer Gulf Stream Coach Inc. and government contractor Fluor Enterprises Inc.

The plaintiffs for this first of several trials are New Orleans resident Alana Alexander and her 12-year-old son, Christopher Cooper. They lived in a FEMA trailer for 19 months after Hurricane Katrina damaged their home in August 2005.

Alexander’s lawyers claim elevated levels of formaldehyde in the family’s trailer aggravated Cooper’s asthma and increased his risk of getting cancer. Gulf Stream denies the claim.