Appeals court permits class action against PC Richard over claims its technicians illegally installed gas appliances

A state appeals court has greenlit a class-action lawsuit against PC Richard & Sons, alleging the company violated city law by employing improperly certified technicians to install gas appliances for over a thousand customers. 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, stating that customers had enough evidence that technicians hired to install appliances since 2015 did not perform installations in accordance with city law. The decision stems from a 2021 suit that argues PC Richard advertised its installation technicians as 'certified' when they were not actually certified to install gas appliances without supervision as required by city law. The suit claims the company broke city business laws and left customers open to potential civil and criminal penalties. Those suing argue 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. If the suit is successful, all those who had an appliance installed by PC Richard & Son's technicians found to be acting without proper certification would be entitled to monetary damages. Additionally, the company would be obligated by court order to employ only people certified by the city to install gas appliances according to regulations. The case will now move forward in New York Supreme Court.

(Source：AM New York)