Certain insurance companies and property management entities have taken legal action against an electrical services company and a subcontractor, alleging negligence that led to significant fire damage. The lawsuit was filed by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, Lexington Insurance Company, Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Landmark American Insurance Company, Steadfast Insurance Company, Strategic Management Group, LLC, and 2801 Broadmead Dr, LLC in the District Court of Harris County on January 10, 2025. The defendants named in the case are Brandt Electrical Services Inc. and Marco Vasquez doing business as Marco Electric.
The plaintiffs allege that an electrical failure caused a fire at the Broadmead Apartments located at 2801 Broadmead Drive in Houston, Texas. This incident is attributed to improper electrical work performed by Brandt Electrical Services and its subcontractor Marco Electric. According to the complaint, the defendants were contracted to replace main electrical panels but used feeder cables that were too short and improperly spliced them together using Ilsco splices. These splices were not installed according to manufacturer guidelines, leading to a short circuit and subsequent fire.
The plaintiffs argue that both Brandt Electrical Services and Marco Electric failed in their duty of care by not conducting the project in a skillful manner or following proper safety protocols. The complaint details various breaches including failing to hire competent workers and not supervising the workmanship adequately. As a result of these alleged failures, the plaintiffs assert they suffered substantial property damage for which they had to issue insurance payments.
The lawsuit seeks monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but less than $1 million for damages incurred due to the fire. The plaintiffs are also pursuing claims for negligence against both defendants as well as breach of express/implied warranty against Brandt Electrical Services specifically. They request compensation for all damages paid out under their insurance policies along with interest, attorney fees, court costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Paul B. Hines and Jennifer M. LeGault from Denenberg Tuffley PLLC alongside Bob M. Hindman and Hannah Conrardy from Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP. The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2025-01874.