GRETNA – A pair of homeowners are suing the couple who sold them their house claiming they did not know the home had extensive termite damage when they purchased it.
Howard M. Pruitt and Dianna D. Pruitt filed suit against Ramon A. Reyes and Yokasta Cabral Reyes in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 8.
The Pruitts claim they purchased a home located at 55 Terrazzo Del Sur in Harvey from the defendants. The plaintiffs allege the Reyeses told them the home had experienced a termite infestation before and had been repaired. The Pruitts contend the defendants told them at the time of the purchase they had a contract with a pest control company to continue treating the home for termites, which they have been unable to verify. However, the plaintiffs allege that after they completed the purchase of the home they discovered that it had a massive termite infestation requiring the demolition and reconstruction of part of the home and treatment for termites.
The defendant is accused of bad faith, fraud, willful misrepresentation and violation of state law.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for diminution in the value of the residence, stress, anxiety, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and either return of the purchase price and rescission of the sale or compensation for all damages.
The Pruitts are represented by David L. Colvin of Gretna-based Colvin Law Firm.
The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.
Case no. 749-531.