LAKE CHARLES - Alex Howard d/b/a ServiceMaster by Howard filed a federal complaint on August 31 in the Western District of Louisiana against First United Pentecostal Church of DeRidder and Church Mutual Insurance Company for breach of contract, negligence, detrimental reliance and unjust enrichment.
According to the complaint, on August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura caused substantial damage to the area near and around southwest Louisiana, including DeRidder. First United, comprised of two buildings totaling almost 32,000 square feet, suffered extensive damage.
Due to the damage, CMIC provided insurance coverage and ServiceMaster by Howard was contacted regarding First United’s desperate need for a water mitigation and restoration contractor, the suit says.
On August 31, 2020, First United entered into a contract, entitled an Authorization for Repairs and Payment, with ServiceMaster by Howard for emergency cleaning, water mitigation and restoration services. By September 9, 2020, ServiceMaster-Howard confirmed that the dry-out process was completed.
On October 13, 2020, First United remitted partial payment toward the outstanding invoice, in the total amount of $50,000, but has yet to repay the remaining balanced owed of $219,260.62, the suit says.
Howard seeks the amount still owed for the services, with interest, attorney's fees and cost of suit. Howard is represented by Christopher K. Jones.
U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division case number 2:21-cv-03181-JDC-KK