Contractor sues HVAC subcontractor alleging $315K claim is null and void

NEW ORLEANS – An HVAC company is being sued by a contractor who says that a $315,000 claim by a subcontractor should be deemed null and void.

MAPP Construction LLC filed suit against LeBlanc’s A/C & Heating Inc. and Orleans Parish Clerk of Court, Dale N. Atkins in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

MAPP entered into a subcontract agreement with LeBlanc’s to provide on-site equipment, supplies and any necessary materials required to complete the construction of the Jackson Barracks Headquarters Annex located at 6400 St. Claude Ave. in New Orleans. During construction a quarrel took place between the parties over alleged payment LeBlanc’s was entitled to for its services.

On June 6, 2012, LeBlanc’s filed a statement claiming it was owed $315,346.93 for labor performed on the project. On Aug. 15, 2013, MAPP filed a notice of acceptance pursuant to the Louisiana Public Works Act. This act stipulates that a subcontractor must take action on its original suit against the contractor within one year for a claim to be processed.

LeBlanc’s has failed to take any action thus far, the suit says. On Aug. 21, MAPP requested that LeBlanc’s cancel its Sworn Statement of Amount Due to avoid further damages to the plaintiff. The petitioner further asks that LeBlanc’s reimburse MAPP for payment made on the Sworn Statement of Amount Due in the form of release bond premiums.

The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Todd Hebert and Jodi Bauer of Sexton & Hebert.

The case has been assigned to Div. C Judge Sidney H. Cates IV.

Case no. 2014-09225.