Suit alleges construction company did shoddy repair work to Groves dance studio

A Groves woman has filed suit against a Tomball man and his construction business, alleging the company did not adequately complete repair work on a dance studio the woman owns.

Debbie Broussard hired Jack Hopkins and National Restoration Technologies on Feb. 7, 2006, to repair her Groves dance studio that was damaged in Hurricane Rita, according to the complaint filed Jan. 14 in Jefferson County District Court.

However, Broussard discovered their work did not meet city ordinances and codes after city officials and structural engineers pointed out the deficiencies to her, the suit states.

Hopkins and National Restoration Technologies then abandoned the project, Broussard alleges.

Because of the company's work, Broussard lost $52,400 in profits and incurred additional expenses of more than $87,000 for repairs such as sheetrock repair, ceiling tile repair and tile floor repair, according to the complaint.

Hopkins and National Restoration Technologies made false representations to Broussard with knowledge of the falsities, intending for Broussard to hire them, according to the complaint.

They also failed to use ordinary care in hiring their employees by failing to properly supervise, by failing to implement adequate safeguards to prevent a situation similar to Broussard's and by failing to provide adequate oversight, the suit states.

Broussard is seeking a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate, attorney's fees, costs and other relief to which she may be entitled.

She is represented by Rick Williams of the Law Office of Rick Williams in Nederland.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield of the 136th District Court.

Case No. D183-029