Cross-claim brought in Wayne Reaud's petition over dispute between contractors

Last November, Wayne A. Reaud, partner at Beaumont's Reaud, Morgan & Quinn law firm, filed an interpleader, asking the court to release him from any potential liens that may be filed against him because of fees not paid to construction workers.

Court records show that on Feb. 7 one of the defendants in the case filed a counterclaim asserting that it was owed more than $19,000.

In his petition, Reaud claims he hired defendant Charles Stidham of defendant Clayton Anderson Restoration to remodel his house in Beaumont.

In turn, Stidham hired defendant Windham Air Conditioning Co., doing business as Delta Air Conditioning, to install new air conditioning units and new ductwork throughout the home, according to the complaint.

Windham asserts in its counterclaim that the cross defendants owe the company $19,994.88 and refuse to pay for the goods and services rendered.

The suit states that on June 21, Stidham paid Windham a deposit for the job. On July 21, Delta finished the work, but Stidham has failed to pay it the remaining $19,994 due.

On July 22, a water-soaked portion of the ceiling in Reaud's home collapsed allegedly because of an overflow in a drip pan installed by Delta, the complaint states. Reaud claims Stidham arrived at his home to assess the damage. Clayton Anderson employees cleaned up the debris and repaired the damage, according to the complaint. In turn, Stidham billed Delta for the cost to repair the residence, the suit states.

The suit says Stidham still owes Delta money for the air conditioning work it performed, but his debt has decreased since his employees performed the repair work at Reaud's house,.

"The difference, owed by Stidham to Delta, is $4,046.54," the suit states.

Reaud received a payment of $26,301 from his insurance company, but is not sure who to pay the money to. Reaud does not want to get caught in the midst of the debt debate and wants to avoid the threat of liens being filed against his property.

Therefore, he filed the interpleader action, seeking to be released from any liability to the defendants, plus attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.

George Michael Jamail of Beaumont represents Reaud.

Beaumont attorney Arthur Martin represents Windham.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is presiding over the case.

Case No. E191-288