Man sued for damage to rented tractor

GALVESTON � Galveston Rentals Inc. is suing Robert Foulkes in an effort to recover approximately $24,000 for equipment he rented last year.

A lawsuit filed June 27 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 states Foulkes owes the company $24,410 after he allegedly damaged a rented tractor and brush cutter.

According to the lawsuit, Foulkes, who owns Farmers Copper and Marine in Galveston, rented the heavy machinery on Aug. 13, 2010, for the purpose of mowing high grass and brush.

He consented to being financially responsible for the "cost of all repairs during this rental period, including labor, materials, parts and other items except for normal wear and tear" as well as promised to "not permit the equipment to be abused, overloaded or used beyond its capacity," the original petition states.

Galveston Rentals claims Foulkes misused and abused the rented equipment to the point of inflicting severe damage, resulting in significant economic damages to its business.

According to the suit, the respondent is in debt for engine analysis, engine replacement, labor and loss of rental value.

Attorney John H. Campbell of Galveston is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Barbara Roberts is presiding over the case.

Cause No. 65,543