Beaumont man sues title company for ruining credit

A Jefferson County man claims his credit score was ruined after a title company failed to pay off a loan after he sold his home.

Ronald Carlin filed a lawsuit Dec. 2 in Jefferson County District Court against Stewart Title Guaranty Co.

Carlin claims he hired Stewart Title to handle the transaction after he sold his home on Dawn Drive in Beaumont.

"As part of the transaction, the Defendant was to pay any outstanding monies owed to Progressive Financial Services, the lender holding the mortgage on 5130 Dawn Drive at the time of the sale," the suit states. "Defendant has never paid off the Progressive Financial Services loan."

As a result of Stewart's failure to pay off the loan, Carlin suffered damage to his credit score and suffered mental anguish, the complaint says.

In his complaint, Carlin alleges negligence and negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract against the defendant.

In his complaint, Carlin seeks an unspecified judgment, plus attorney's fees, costs, pre- and post-judgment interest at the legal rate and other relief the court deems just.

Christopher T. Kirchmer of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont will be representing him.

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

Case No. E188-907