(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Galion home improvement contractor accused of providing incomplete or shoddy paving services to consumers.
The lawsuit accuses BL Concrete Construction LLC and its owner Lawrence (Larry) M. Hurst of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is aware of five unresolved complaints against the business with reported losses totaling more than $23,000.
“We are seeking refunds for affected consumers and an end to any unfair or deceptive practices committed by this contractor,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Any other consumers who have had a problem with this or another home improvement contractor should contact my office.”
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed yesterday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses the business and its owner of failing to deliver promised services, performing shoddy and substandard work, engaging in a consumer transaction while having an unsatisfied judgment with another consumer, and failing to give consumers proper notice of their three-day right to cancel a door-to-door sale.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks consumer restitution, an injunction to stop consumer law violations, and civil penalties.
Consumers can help protect themselves in a home improvement transaction by following these tips:
- Research the business. Check for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and do a basic Internet search of the business’s name and words like “complaints” or “reviews.” Also talk to your neighbors and other past customers to ask about their experiences with the business.
- Get multiple estimates. If someone comes to your door unexpectedly and offers to pave your driveway, don’t enter into an agreement on the spot. Contact other businesses to get additional estimates.
- Be skeptical of very low prices. If a contractor quotes a price that is dramatically lower than prices other businesses are offering, be wary. The contractor may later demand more money or provide shoddy work.
- Don’t pay in advance. Be wary of contractors who ask you to pay before the work has started. They may take your money without completing the job. Take time to think about the offer before signing a contract or making any payments.
- Get a detailed written contract. Insist on a written contract detailing the costs, the work to be done, and the starting and end dates. If the contract resulted from a door-to-door sale, make sure it includes notice of your cancellation rights.
- Consider paying with a credit card. Paying with a credit card generally gives you greater protections to dispute unauthorized charges. On the other hand, if you pay in cash, it will be very difficult to recover your money if something goes wrong.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840