WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

HUNTINGTON -- A man is suing Crawlspace & Basement Technologies and its owner after he claims the company breached its contract with him.

On July 22, 2010, Bob Runion, who is doing business as Crawlspace & Basement Technologies, provided Garry Bennett with a written proposal to effectuate the water leak repair in his basement in the amount of $5,680, according to a complaint filed Oct. 7 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Bennett claims the defendant also explained and provided him with a lifetime warranty.

On Aug. 26, 2010, the defendant commenced and completed the work and Bennett paid for the repairs in full, according to the suit.

Bennett claims on March 15, he contacted the defendant, advising that water was leaking into his basement and the defendant advised him that installing the system may have pushed water back.

The defendant informed Bennett that an additional $1,500 was needed to stop the water leak, according to the sit.

Bennett claims the defendant advised him that in order to effectuate the lifetime warranty, it would be necessary to pay for a one, two or three-year maintenance plan in the amount of $210,44, $528.94 or $740.94.

The defendant negligently designed and/or installed the system into Bennett's home and failed to remedy the water leak, thereby breaching the contract entered into by Bennett and the defendant, according to the suit.

Bennett claims the defendant also fraudulently induced him into entering the contract by informing him of the lifetime warranty and not informing him of the maintenance plan requirement until six months later.

The defendant's conduct was outrageous, according to the suit.

Bennett is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Michael Paesani.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-750