Electrical contractor sues over payment for senior housing development

A Manvel company claims various construction companies refused to pay it more than $40,000 for electrical and construction work it performed.

Redman Communications filed a lawsuit Oct. 7 in Jefferson County District Court against KRR I Construction, KRR Construction, KRR Operations, LRG Development, HHLRG Legacy Senior Housing of Port Arthur, HAH Legacy Resource Group and Joseph Bowles.

Redman claims the defendants contacted it in March 2008, requesting a bid for electrical and construction work on a 126-unit apartment development in Port Arthur called Legacy Senior Housing.

After the defendants accepted Redman's bid, it began work on the building, located at 3225 Lake Arthur Drive in Port Arthur, according to the complaint.

During construction, on June 5, 2008, Bowles, who served as owner of the project's general contractor KRR Construction, requested Redman sign a conditional release for $44,055.65 -- the amount due to Redman for the services he provided, the suit states.

Redman signed the release, hoping that he could depend on Bowles' promise to eventually pay the money, the complaint says.

However, Redman claims it still has not received payment for the work it performed.

Redman alleges breach of contract, misapplication of trust funds, fraud and negligent misrepresentation against the defendants.

In addition to the money it says the defendants owe it, Redman seeks attorney's fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Jeremy J. Sanders of Strong, Pipkin, Bissell and Ledyard in Houston will be representing it.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E188-549