GRETNA – A heavy equipment rental company is being sued by a client who damaged a crane during transit, saying it was wrongfully asked to pay over $200,000 to replace the equipment.
SES Construction Consulting Group Inc. filed suit against Sunbelt Rentals Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 18.
SES Construction Consulting Group Inc. contends that on July 25, 2014 it rented an open deck crane from Sunbelt Rentals Inc. worth $50,000 for $2,400. The plaintiff also asserts that it purchased a rental protection plan for $367.10 to cover all accidental damage to the equipment including equipment theft and tire damage.
SES Construction Consulting Group Inc. claims that while moving the crane its arm was knocked off and the cab was dented at an estimated cost of repair between $10,000 and $15,000. The plaintiff asserts that unbeknownst to it, the rental protection plan had a small disclaimer on the back of the pamphlet saying it did not cover damage occurring during transit.
SES Construction Consulting Group Inc. alleges the defendants refused to offer an opportunity to repair the damage, declared it a total loss and made aggressive demands for payment in the amount of $208,170.66.
The defendant is accused of deceptive actions, breach of contract and unfair trade practices.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for relief under the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act, treble damage and attorney’s fees.
SES Construction Consulting Group Inc. is represented by Julie Quinn of New Orleans-based Quinn Alsterberg LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.
Case no. 750-757.