(WNY News Now) – Attorney General Michelle Henry has filed a lawsuit against a Pittsburgh-area home improvement company for allegedly using illegal contracts and failing to complete jobs, leaving consumers out of pocket and frustrated.
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a lawsuit against Brothers All Around Service, LLC, and its owner, John McDonald, alleging the Allegheny County-based home improvement company engaged in illegal practices and failed to fulfill their contractual obligations.
The Office of Attorney General filed the lawsuit after receiving numerous complaints from consumers who paid substantial upfront fees to Brothers for home improvement projects that were never completed. The lawsuit claims that in many instances, the company did not issue refunds and avoided customer inquiries, further aggravating the situation for homeowners.
According to the lawsuit, the contracts used by Brothers did not comply with the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law or the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Attorney General Henry emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, “This home improvement company demanded, and took, large upfront payments from customers, then failed to complete the work and had the audacity to actively avoid consumers who called for status updates. My office will continue to champion for consumers who are victimized by shady home improvement contractors that skirt the law.”
Consumers reported paying significant sums for room remodels and other major home improvement projects, only to be left with incomplete work. Many had to hire additional contractors to finish the projects and, in some cases, repair the substandard work initiated by Brothers. Reports also indicated that some consumers had their phone numbers blocked by Brothers, preventing them from receiving updates on their projects.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that Brothers All Around Service and McDonald violated the Consumer Protection Law and HICPA. It also demands that the company pay restitution to affected consumers and be prohibited from registering as home improvement contractors in the future.
Deputy Attorney General Francesca Miller-Surman filed the lawsuit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, aiming to hold the company accountable and provide relief to the impacted consumers.
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