Farm sues contractor over stable renovation work contract worth $323K

GRETNA – A timber farm is suing a contractor company and its owner for allegedly not completing renovation work on horse stables in Folsom in a timely manner.

Rhino Timber Farms LLC filed suit against River City Construction LLC, River City Roofing & Construction Inc. and Erik Stapper in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 19.

Rhino Timber Farms claims that on June 29, 2013 it entered into an agreement to have River City Construction renovate their horse  stables located at 81468 Highway 437 in Folsom for a cost of $423,423. The plaintiff alleges that in early 2014 it became concerned about the defendant’s ability to complete the project and the overall quality of the work after a 160 day deadline for completion of the work was not met. Rhino Timber Farms contends that River City Construction also had it sign a check for appliances that were to be installed in the stables by a third party, but River City later canceled the applicant order and installation and never returned the funds.

In addition, the plaintiff alleges there were deficiencies in the construction work at the stables including leaking skylights that did not conform to the architect’s standards and a heating and cooling system installed by the defendant that did not meet the grade in the construction plans and had to be replaced.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, conversion of funds, failing to diligently complete work, failing to timely remedy the defective work, failing to complete the work contracted, failing to provide adequate labor and failing to meet required specifications.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for all amounts required to complete the project, the difference in funds between what the defendant was contracted for and the work the correctly completed and all amounts converted by the defendant.

Rhino Timber Farms is represented by L. Etienne Balart of New Orleans-based Jones Walker LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.

Case no. 741-406.