(NEWARK, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a central Ohio concrete contractor accused of performing shoddy work and failing to complete home improvement projects.
“Paving a path to this lawsuit is just about the only decent work this guy’s done,” Yost said. “He’s had plenty of time to remedy these complaints, but he’s refusing to cooperate. It’s time to pay up.”
The lawsuit accuses Ronald Randall Slusher, who did business under the name A1 Concrete Finishing, of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.
Eight central Ohio consumers filed complaints against the business with Yost’s Consumer Protection Section and the Better Business Bureau. They are seeking refunds totaling $19,685 for shoddy work and incomplete projects.
The lawsuit filed in the Licking County Common Pleas Court requests an order requiring Slusher and his business to reimburse affected customers and pay a civil penalty. It also requests an injunction ordering Slusher to stop violating the state’s consumer protection laws.
Attorney General Yost reminds consumers to take the following steps before signing a contract for home improvement services:
- Check for any complaints against the contractor with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure your contract includes notice of your right to cancel a door-to-door sale. Contractors generally cannot start working until the three-day “cooling-off” period ends.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.
- Check to make sure that the written contract includes any verbal promises, the start and end dates, and an itemized list of all significant costs, labor and services.
- Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment or requires that you write a check directly to the contractor instead of his or her company.
- Check with the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm that the business is registered properly.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov
