Concrete contained too much lignite, contractor claims in suit against Highland Ready Mix

A Madison County man claims he faces numerous lawsuits and has spent thousands of dollars after concrete failed to properly conform.

Steven Norbury filed a lawsuit April 4 in Madison County Circuit Court against Highland Ready Mix Concrete.

In his complaint, Norbury alleges he bought three different batches of concrete mix from Highland. He intended to use the concrete on custom projects in Troy, Waterloo and Maryville, according to the complaint.

"Defendant knew the concrete was specifically used for custom concrete projects and knew the concrete was purchased from defendant for that specific reason," the suit states.

However, the batches of concrete contained excessive amounts of a chemical called lignite, which caused the concrete to be unable to conform per the purchaser's requests, the complaint says.

Norbury claims he was unaware of the problem until he began receiving calls from customers, who complained that the concrete was rapidly deteriorating and needed replacement. Some of Norbury's former customers have gone so far as to file suit against him, seeking $3,257, while others have threatened to file a complaint, according to Norbury's lawsuit.

To cure the faulty concrete, Norbury claims he has incurred or will incur more than $45,000 in costs. He has also lost business and suffered damages to his reputation, the complaint says.

Although he has requested a reimbursement from Highland, the company refuses to oblige, the suit states.

In his complaint, Norbury seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Brian M. Wendler of Wendler Law in Edwardsville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-423.