Contractor sues to recover payment for work on Gilchrist yacht basin

GALVESTON - A Florida contractor seeks to recover unpaid money from a Gilchrist man who hired him two years ago, recent court documents say.

In a lawsuit filed Aug. 31 in Galveston County District Court, Greg Pruneau of Ormond Beach, Fla., claims Michael T. Morrison failed to pay him up to $9,000 for work done to the defendant's property in 2007.

The original petition says Morrison tabbed Pruneau to furnish carpentry, labor, and materials for repair and improvement on a group of buildings located in the 1280 block of Yacht Basin in Gilchrist.

Both men subsequently entered an agreement, it adds.

"The plaintiff provided the labor and materials and performed the work requested and directed by the defendant," the suit says.

"The defendant accepted, used, and benefited from the work, labor, materials, and services provided by the plaintiff."

Pruneau argues he met his contractual obligations, but did not receive a cent from Morrison.

The plaintiff says the defendant repeatedly guaranteed that all work will be paid for to no avail.

"The representations were relied on by the plaintiff who continued to work and provide materials and services as requested on the expectation that unpaid work, labor, materials, and services would be paid," the suit explains.

Consequently, Pruneau filed an affidavit of lien against Morrison's property and gave written notice to the defendant.

The plaintiff insists he has suffered substantial direct and consequential damages because of the alleged breach in contract.

Aside from the funds in question, he seeks to enforce a constitutional lien with authorization from Galveston County 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss.

Houston attorney Stanley E. Rauhut is representing Pruneau.

Case No. 09CV1589