Homeowners sue over heavy construction nearby home they claim damaged property

GRETNA – A pair of Metairie homeowners are suing after they allege their home was damaged during construction on a nearby interstate.

Tarek and Loretta Zada filed suit against James Holdings LLC, James Construction LLC, Volkert Inc. and their insurers in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 5.

The Zadas contend that their home located at 6109 Marcie Street in Metairie was damaged during the defendants’ construction work expanding Interstate 10 nearby their home. The plaintiffs assert during the construction the defendants engaged in demolition activities, pile driving and construction that included the moving of several large vehicles including trucks hauling heavy loads of gravel and cement down their street and in front of their home. The Zadas claim that from February 2013 through March 2014 several trucks passed in front of their home each day and that over the course of the construction their home suffered several damages due to the nearby work including foundation damage, plumbing damage, sinking and cracking of bricks and other structural problems. Before the construction commenced the plaintiffs allege their home was in good condition, but it was badly damaged afterward.

The defendant is accused of negligence, failing to obtain proper permits to access their street, failing to obtain adequate and proper permits, failing to properly inspect the project, acting in a careless and negligent manner, failing to properly train personnel, failing to properly supervise personnel, failing to direct activities of construction personnel and failing to cease dangerous activity and failing to take precautions.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for property damage.

The Zadas are represented by Timothy S. Madden of New Orleans-based King, Krebs & Jurgens PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 741-933.