AG Madigan files suit against 4 'storm chaser' contractors

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Several consumer watchdog groups and agencies have been warning people about hiring contractors who may come to the doors of storm damaged homes. This week, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed lawsuits against four contractors, one of them who the I-Team tracked down more than a year ago.

In February of 2014, Willima Boerger of Above Grade Construction told the I-Team, "I will be doing what I'm doing now until the day I die."

But if Madigan has her way he'll permanently be banned from conducting home repairs in Illinois. The attorney general's office filed suit against Boerger based on 30 complaints it received against his company.

"What happened was people were handing over money and when they were waiting months and months and months, and either no work was being done or poor work was being done," Madigan said.

Madigan says many of Above Grade's customers were victims of storm damage.

IN 2014 the the I-Team reported on one consumer who told said roofing work was not completed at the time. That same consumer says the work is still not finished. Another consumer said work was finished but a lien was placed on his home by subcontractors who said they weren't paid by Boerger. Similar complaints are listed in the lawsuit.

In 2014 Boerger said he's been a good businessman since opening in 2009, and blamed a rainy spring and a brutal winter. Since then his Better Business Bureau complain record has grown. The BBB lists 48 complaints in the last three years, 15 of them resolved.

When the I-Team reached out to Broeger he said he had a bad connection and then hung up.

The lawsuit Madgian filed against Broeger also demands he pay some consumers back.

"It is unclear what assets he has currently," Madigan said, "but that's part of what we will find out during the court case."

Broeger textred the I-Team on Monday saying there was no intent to defraud anyone and that he spent his last dime and every breath of energy to make good with consumers, but that there was unfortunate "collateral damage." The lawsuit also says his company was involuntarily dissolved.

If you have storm damage you should never pay anyone who comes to your door. First look at their record and make payments as the work progresses.