(HAMILTON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Butler County concrete contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services to consumers.
The lawsuit charges Jonathan R. Anderson, who did business as Anderson & Son Construction, with violations of Ohio’s consumer laws.
“Consumers gave this contractor thousands of dollars for work that was not performed as promised,” Attorney General DeWine said. “While we attempt to resolve these types of complaints out of court, when a contractor fails to respond to our efforts, we must seek justice through the court system.”
Anderson & Son Construction offered home improvement services, including concrete installation. A total of seven consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau saying they paid for work that was not completed or shoddy. Reported losses total more than $20,000.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in Butler County, charges Anderson with failure to deliver, performing shoddy work, and violating the Home Solicitation Sales Act.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for consumers, an injunction to stop further violations, and civil penalties.
Consumers can help protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors by taking the following steps:
- Check contractors’ reputations with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau. Also check with your local municipal or county courts to determine if any lawsuits have been filed against the business.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.
- Get all promises in writing. Make sure the written contract includes the start date and end date and an itemized list of all costs and services.
- Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment, such as half of the total cost, or requires that you write the check directly to the contractor instead of his or her company.
- Keep in mind that door-to-door sales contractors are required to give you a three-day right to cancel and cannot begin the work until the three-day period ends.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840