Terrence J. Lestelle
GRETNA – A couple is suing a shoring company and subcontractors for allegedly damaging their home during its elevation and leaving the job unfinished.
Silvia and Jorge Cosenza filed suit against Champs Elevation and Construction, LLC, Diverse Construction, Gemini Insurance Company, Lloyd's of London, Supra Construction, A Quality Insurance of Louisiana LLC, Gulf Coast Lift LLC, C&C Pile Driving and K Crockett Designs in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 4.
The Cosenzas claim they hired the defendants to elevate their home at 625 Hunterbrook Dr. in Gretna. They allege that the elevation job was deficient and defective and has resulted in severe damage to the home. The Cosenzas assert that because the job has not been finished and their home was damaged they cannot inhabit their home.
The defendant is accused of failing to provide detailed engineering plans to elevate the home, improperly using pilings, commencing elevation of the home without sufficient plans, failing to complete the work in a good and workmanlike manner, undertaking the elevation job without the necessary skill, failing to exercise ordinary care, causing defects by faulty work, failing to recognize the Consenzas' home could not be safely elevated due to the engineering plans, unsafely placing cinder block piers under the home in random positions, constructing piers without mortar reinforcement, placing piers unevenly, using metal shims between the piers that caused damage to the home's slab and breach of contract.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for the cost to demolish and rebuild the home, living expenses, inconvenience, emotional distress, mental anguish damages, physical and psychological ailments, loss of payments, investigation costs and diminution of property value.
The Cosenzas are represented by Terrence J. Lestelle of Metairie-based firm Lestelle & Lestelle, APLC.
The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen S. Kovach.
Case no. 718-618.