PITTSBURGH – A Virginia couple are suing a disbarred Allegheny County attorney who allegedly failed to reimburse them their settlement award.
Pamela Johns and Daniel Lang filed a complaint June 19 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas against Jeffrey L. Suher alleging professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and conversion.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs financed the purchase of a 2014 Jeep Wrangler through Capital One Auto Finance, fell behind on payments but made arrangements with Capital One. The suit states on Aug. 26, 2015, Bob Marnell, an American Recovery Specialist of Western Pennsylvania rep, appeared at the plaintiffs' home to repossess the vehicle.
Lang alleges he informed Marnell that the plaintiffs had an agreement with Capital One about the payment and tried to contact Capital One, but was put on hold. The suit states Lang asked Marnell to leave, who then called the police and claimed that the plaintiff had assaulted him.
On Aug. 26, 2015, the plaintiffs allege they employed the defendant to represent them in the matter and agreed on a 40 percent contingency fee rate. The defendant secured a settlement with Capital One for the plaintiffs of $25,000, as well as settlements with the police department for it to pay the plaintiffs $10,000 and with American Recovery for $15,000.
The plaintiffs allege they have only been repaid $3,500 of the $25,000 that they are owed.
The suit states Suher was disbarred in May on consent of the state Bar.
The plaintiffs are seeking all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiffs are represented by John E. Quinn of Quinn Logue LLC.