WACO, Texas – A construction company based in Dallas has been found in breach of contract and engaging in an “unconscionable course of action” by a McLennan County jury. The jury reached this decision after the company allegedly failed to properly repair a Woodway woman’s home following the devastating winter storm in 2021. Lauren Pardue, who resides in the 500 block of Sante Fe Drive in Woodway, was awarded nearly $180,000 in actual damages as a result of the jury’s ruling.
According to the jury’s findings in the 414th State District Court, the company, known as the Felix Salinas Group and doing business as Excel Construction Group, violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The jury determined that the company made false or misleading promises in relation to the repair work on Pardue’s home. Pardue’s legal team, consisting of attorneys Mason Dunnam, Jim Dunnam, and Hunter Slocum, expects the total court judgment to amount to approximately $235,000. This four-day trial concluded on Thursday at around 7:30 p.m.
Mason Dunnam commented on the verdict, stating that it reaffirms the strength of Texas’ consumer protection laws. He emphasized that the outcome delivers justice not only to their client, but also sends a clear message to businesses operating in McLennan County. Dunnam added, “This win is not just for our client, but for every consumer in McLennan County. If someone is going to knock on your door to sell you something, they best be honest and know what they are doing.”
The attorneys representing Felix Salinas Group and Excel Construction, Karen Ensley and Brian Benitez, respectively, declined to provide any comment on the jury verdict. The construction company operates in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado, with 10 divisions in Texas alone. The jury’s award includes $178,095 in actual and deceptive trade violation damages, as well as $47,200 in attorneys’ fees. Furthermore, it includes $65,000 in contingent attorneys’ fees if the defendants choose to appeal, although Ensley did not indicate whether an appeal would be pursued.
The incident began when Pardue, then 23 years old, was approached by a company salesman without a proper permit from Woodway. The salesman, representing Excel Construction, claimed that the company could replace her roof. During the trial, it was revealed that the company’s salesmen were given titles such as “project manager” to create a more impressive image and boost their chances of securing contracts. Pardue entered into a contract with Excel to remove damaged wood and re-shingle her house. However, Excel failed to remove the existing decking and instead installed a second deck directly on top of the first one before laying the shingles. As a result, the added weight and other unresolved issues caused significant damage to Pardue’s home, including cracks, leaks, collapsed ceilings, and damaged floors.
The jury’s verdict concluded that Excel knowingly engaged in deceptive trade practices, exploiting Pardue’s lack of knowledge about roofing and committing fraud. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer protection laws and the consequences for companies that engage in unethical conduct.