Skating rink files suit for warranty infringement after Post-Katrina roof installation fails

NEW ORLEANS - A West Bank skating rink is suing a roofing company after the post-Katrina roof they installed failed during a hail storm.

W.B. Skate Country, of Gretna, filed suit against Praetorian Insurance, their own insurer, and Orleans Sheet Metal Works on Jan. 6 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Skate Country alleges a representative of the roofing company said the warranty period was indefinite after its installation in 2005. In March of 2011, Skate Country was struck by a hail storm that damaged the roof and resulted in extensive property damage within the skating rink including ceiling tiles, floors, carpeting, wall murals and damage to the air conditioning units. The suit also claims Praetorian Insurance was expected to cover the damage, but has refused to honor its policy on the property because they claim the roof failed due to being improperly installed.

Orleans Sheet Metal, however, has contended that the roof was properly installed and that damages were caused by hail.

The plaintiff is seeking damages from the storm be paid by Praetorian Insurance if the roof is found to have been installed correctly or by Orleans Sheet Metal Works is the roof was installed incorrectly.

Skate Country is being represented by Dennis M. Laborde of New Orleans-based Baldwin, Haspel, Burke and Mayer.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.

Case number 2012-00136