PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia couple have filed litigation against a demolition company and insurance company, for negligence, breach of contract and trespassing related to damages sustained in the course of demolition work last year.
Hassaan Williams and Irene Durham filed suit on Jan. 26 in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, against Gama Wrecking, Inc. of Philadelphia and Sentinel Insurance Company Ltd., of Hartford, Conn.
“On or about April 1, 2016, plaintiff Williams operated a barber shop at 1210 South 17th Street in Philadelphia. On or about that date, defendant Gama was retained by an adjoining property owner of the 1210 South 17th Street address for the purpose of performing wrecking and/or demolition activities,” the complaint reads.
During the course of that work from the defendants, it is alleged they caused “significant damage” to Williams’ property. The plaintiffs claim the defendants failed to obtain proper permits and licenses for their demolition work, failed to keep Williams’ property safe and damaged Williams’ property, including its sidewalks with significant compromise to the structural integrity of the entire southeast wall past the point of sufficient repair.
Further, Sentinel determined to pay Williams $71,000 for the property damage incurred by his business, but Williams feels this is a deficient amount and tantamount to breach of contract. Williams also believes Gama trespassed onto his property.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus damages, interest, costs of suit and other relief.
The plaintiffs are represented by Marc A. Weinberg of Saffren & Weinberg, in Jenkintown.
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas case 170103688
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nickpennrecord@gmail.com