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re: I'm being sued - question

Posted on 3/18/24 at 3:48 pm to
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 3:48 pm to
quote:

In Louisiana, I'm pretty sure that the time period for filing a lien is expired.

Probably correct, assuming that the roofer hasn't already done this
Posted by notiger1997
Metairie
Member since May 2009
58131 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 4:00 pm to
quote:

Going to the BBB


Posted by Masterag
'Round Dallas
Member since Sep 2014
18805 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 4:02 pm to
Hire an atty who is willing to sue the contractor and sue and sanction the lawyer dragging you into this for disregarding the contract.
Posted by boudinman
Member since Nov 2019
5046 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 4:17 pm to
Louisiana State Licensing Board

LINK

File a complaint ASAP.
Posted by HangmanPage1
Wild West
Member since Aug 2021
1383 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 4:23 pm to
Sidebar Question : Are you automatically forced to sell a property with a lien on it. I’ve always seen worst outcomes of debt are liens on a property and that it can cost you once you sell said property. What if it’s your house you plan to live in for the next 20/30 years. The lien just sits there. Kind of seems inconsequential if you don’t sell.
Posted by rltiger
Metairie
Member since Oct 2004
838 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:09 pm to
accrued Interest
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:15 pm to
quote:

sanction the lawyer dragging you into this for disregarding the contract.

The sub’s lawyer hasn’t done anything sanctionable in this instance given the OP’s facts. Subcontractors can indeed have valid claims against the property owner in Louisiana without privity of contract.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
30303 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:16 pm to
Who is the builder, so others know who to avoid.
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:17 pm to
quote:

Sidebar Question : Are you automatically forced to sell a property with a lien on it.

Nope.

quote:

The lien just sits there. Kind of seems inconsequential if you don’t sell.

Depends on whether the lien filer timely filed suit on the lien (assuming we’re talking about mechanics/workman’s liens as being discussed in this thread). Once the applicable period has passed and the lien filer no longer has a valid claim, you can get the lien removed by the court and clerk if it’s a barrier to sale, obtaining credit etc.

Other types of liens last longer.
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:18 pm to
I agree the BBB is a joke. But it make help a couple boomers who actually Google such things to stay away. The contracting board is a much better “real” option.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
30303 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:19 pm to
quote:

Heaven forbid a lawyer do everything they legally and ethically can to represent their client.



Screw morals and common decency, though. Just as long as they get their paycheck
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 5:21 pm to
quote:

Screw morals and common decency, though

There is nothing inherently immoral about a subcontractor asserting a claim against a project owner using Louisiana laws specifically enacted for that purpose.

The nonpaying contractor is the problem here. Not the unpaid subcontractor.
Posted by DevilDagNS
Member since Dec 2017
2673 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 6:34 pm to
quote:

quote: And under what coverage would this apply? No idea. Maybe an umbrella policy, homeowners or builders insurance. Maybe the bank that gave the loan? I’m sure there’s something out there if he was smart to protect the homeowner in case this situation happens


Wow. Just wow.
Posted by Penrod
Member since Jan 2011
39313 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 6:50 pm to
quote:

All of you people saying he will be fine because he didn't sign a contract with the roofing company have no idea what you are talking about.

What do you mean? These are Tiger Rant posters!
Posted by tgrbaitn08
Member since Dec 2007
146214 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 6:52 pm to
IF the OP bought a spec house and didnt hire the builder or the roofer or any contractor whatsoever, I cant see how he should be named in a lawsuit and shouldnt have to lawyer up....

Maybe he should be the one suing
Posted by BigBinBR
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2023
4148 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 6:58 pm to
What did the State Licensing Board for Contractor’s say when you filed a complaint?
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 6:59 pm to
quote:

IF the OP bought a spec house and didnt hire the builder or the roofer or any contractor whatsoever, I cant see how he should be named in a lawsuit and shouldnt have to lawyer up....

If OP was the owner of the property when the repair work was performed (which it sounds like he was), it’s pretty simple. Louisiana has laws providing for direct action against the owner of a property where one has performed labor or provided services or materials and has not been paid. Granted, there are timing and notice/preservation issues at play. Which is why he needs a lawyer.

quote:

Maybe he should be the one suing

Once he hires his lawyer, he’ll be suing the contractor as part of the suit that he’s been served with.

ETA: always make your GC provide partial and/or full lien releases certifying that they have paid their subs for the work included in your invoice.
This post was edited on 3/18/24 at 7:05 pm
Posted by Masterag
'Round Dallas
Member since Sep 2014
18805 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 7:03 pm to
quote:

Subcontractors can indeed have valid claims against the property owner in Louisiana without privity of contract.


Do y’all use common law for things such as this? Or would this be statutory as well?
Posted by Indefatigable
Member since Jan 2019
26329 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 7:10 pm to
quote:

Do y’all use common law for things such as this? Or would this be statutory as well?

Statutory. Louisiana Private Works Act. La RS 9:4801 et seq.

There is a public works corollary as well.
Posted by deltaland
Member since Mar 2011
90617 posts
Posted on 3/18/24 at 7:41 pm to
quote:

Not a lawyer, but I think due to the tradesman laws, the homeowner is ultimately responsible if the contractor doesn't pay.


Seems redundant if the homeowner didn’t sign a contract
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