# Texas Family Wins $21.6M Verdict for Home Safety Defects

> Texas family receives $21.6 million award after jury finds contractor's sewer vents and foundation flaws made home unsafe.
- Title: Texas Family Wins $21.6M Verdict for Home Safety Defects
- Summary: Texas family receives $21.6 million award after jury finds contractor's sewer vents and foundation flaws made home unsafe.
- Keywords: tarrant county, sewer vents, foundation defects, mold growth, health issues, plumbing, contractor, home safety, legal award, 21.6 million, attic, sewer gas
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/a-texas-family-noticed-a-strong-smell-before-buying-their-new-home-in-2018-years-later-a-plumber-found-its-sewer-vents-ended-in-the-attic-and-a-tarrant-county-jury-has-awarded-them-more-than-21-6-million/articleshow/135675893.cms
- Author: TOI World Desk
- Published: 2026-11-10T21:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tarrant county, sewer vents, foundation defects, mold growth, health issues, plumbing, contractor, home safety, legal award, 21.6 million, attic, sewer gas
## Family notices strong smell
Ronny and Mandy McCoy noticed a strong smell before buying their new home in 2018.
## Plumber finds sewer vents in attic
A plumber discovered the home's sewer vents ended inside the attic instead of directing sewer gases outside.
## Health problems reported
The family said exposure to sewer gas caused migraine headaches, breathing and skin problems, dizziness and other ongoing health concerns.
## Foundation moisture issues
Moisture entered the house through an improperly sealed foundation, leading to mold growth and dampness problems.
## Legal action taken
The family took legal action against contractor NAE Enterprises and others involved in the construction.
## Jury awards $21.6 million
A Tarrant County jury awarded the family more than $21.6 million including $10 million in exemplary damages against contractor NAE Enterprises.
## Contractor found negligent
The jury found NAE Enterprises violated the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act and was negligent in construction supervision.
## Responsibility split
The jury assigned 77% of responsibility to NAE Enterprises, 10% to Dauenhauer & Associates, and 10% to Ricky Dauenhauer.
## Family moves to RV
The family had to leave the property on the advice of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and now lives in a recreational vehicle.
## Lawyers' message
Lawyers said builders must ensure homes are safe and meet required standards, as homeowners cannot check every plumbing line themselves.
## Family hopes for change
The family hopes the verdict encourages other homeowners to raise concerns about construction defects and unsafe conditions.
## Key takeaway

A Texas family won over $21.6 million from a contractor after a jury ruled their home's sewer vents and foundation defects caused health issues and made the house unsafe to live in.