A Durham-based landscaping company is serious accusations from the state, following a lawsuit filed by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. The suit targets Lorenzo Lorin Huggins, Sr. and his businesses, Huggins & Sons Yard Service and Lorenzo & Son Landscaping, for alleged misconduct and price gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
According to the lawsuit, Huggins and his companies are accused of drastically overcharging a Hendersonville couple for tree removal services after the hurricane caused significant damage to their property. The couple agreed to pay an upfront sum of $25,500, with an additional $5,500 for tree disposal. Despite receiving full payment, the company allegedly left debris on the property, including tree limbs and remnants of the fallen tree still hanging over the house.
A review cited in the lawsuit, found on HomeAdvisor, claimed that Huggins continued to operate in Western North Carolina, offering tree removal services for which he was neither qualified nor equipped. The Attorney General’s office aims to secure restitution for affected residents and impose civil penalties, alongside seeking temporary, preliminary, and permanent measures to prevent further misrepresentation and price gouging.
“As western North Carolina continues to clean up after the storm and rebuild, I want ratepayers to take note,” Attorney General Josh Stein said in a statement. “If you take advantage of people in their time of need and charge them unreasonable, exorbitant rates, my office will hold you accountable.”
The state has been in recovery mode since Hurricane Helene, which left billions of dollars in damage and thousands without power across Western North Carolina. Despite relief funds amounting to at least $877 million distributed so far, many communities continue to face challenges.
Bull City Citizen will keep you informed on this case and the ongoing efforts to hold businesses accountable for predatory practices during disaster recovery.
