Appeals court approves class action lawsuit against PC Richard over claims its technicians illegally installed gas appliances | amNewYork

"A state appeals court greenlit a class action against PC Richard & Sons, alleging the company violated city law by employing improperly-certified technicians to install gas appliances for more than a thousand people. The litigants argue that the appliance chain charged customers for an illegal service, deceptively marketed it, and potentially put their health at risk."

"The Appellate Division, Second Department shot down PC Richard's second attempt to dismiss the suit last week, saying customers suing the appliance company had enough evidence that those it hired to install appliances like ovens, stovetops and washers/dryers that required a gas hookup since 2015 did not perform those installations in accordance with city law, allowing the case to move toward trial."

"The decision stems from a 2021 suit that argues PC Richard advertised its installation technicians as certified when they weren't actually certified to install gas appliances without supervision as required by city law, and therefore fraudulently induced customers to purchase appliances and installations they wouldn't have had they known the installation would be illegal. The suit claims the appliance giant broke city business laws and left customers open to potential civil and criminal penalties from the city for having paid for and agreed to illegal gas installations."

"In court filings, the company argued that its technicians were certified and did not carry out illegal installations. Those suing the appliance company argue that they paid hundreds of dollars for installations they wouldn't have otherwise, and that some of their appliances subsequently began leaking gas after allegedly improperly certified technicians installed them, putting their health at"

A state appeals court allowed a class action against PC Richard & Sons to move toward trial. The claim alleges the company violated city law by employing improperly certified technicians to install gas appliances for more than a thousand people. Customers allege PC Richard charged for an illegal service, deceptively marketed installation technicians as certified, and induced purchases of appliances and installations that would be illegal. The suit also alleges the installations exposed customers to health risks, including gas leaks after installation. The case traces to a 2021 lawsuit asserting technicians were not certified to install gas appliances without supervision as required by city law. PC Richard argued its technicians were certified and that it did not perform illegal installations.

Read at www.amny.com