Bridge contractor sued by hydraulic supplier for nearly $100K

GRETNA – A contractor who was granted a state contract for a bridge project is being sued by a manufacturer who claims it was not fully paid for supplies.

Huber Inc. filed suit against Gilchrist Construction Company LLC and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 27.

Huber Inc. asserts it presented a proposal to Gilchrist Construction Company for hydraulic power unit cylinders and piping to be used in the Weeks Island Bridge in Iberia Parish. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant was awarded a state contract to build the bridge, which would be its first bridge constriction, and entered into a purchase order for $317,191.88. Huber Inc. claims it supplied a custom hydraulic power unit and piping sections in accordance with the proposal.

The plaintiff asserts that change orders were made to better adapt the equipment for use in the bridge and an electrician installing the system further changed the system, in violation of Huber’s terms and conditions. Huber Inc. alleges that the electrician who worked on the project was unlicensed. The plaintiff claims it is still owed nearly $100,000 for the materials supplied to the project.

Huber Inc. alleges it sought a lien against Gilchrist Construction Company, but was rebuffed due to a surety bond contract.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and suit on open account.

Damages in the amount of $92,304.65 are sought by the plaintiff.

Huber Inc. is represented by Stephen K. Conroy of Metairie-based Conroy Law Firm PLC.

The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.

Case no. 734-961.