Samsung Stiffed Contractor for $86,600, Alleges Complaint Removed to Federal Court

Samsung removed to U.S. District Court in New Orleans a complaint filed Jan. 11 in a Louisiana state court in which contractor Barrister Global Services Network alleged Samsung stiffed it by $86,600 for work it did under a January 2014 repair and warranty services agreement. Though Barrister “timely completed its work in a good and workmanlike manner,” Samsung has refused to pay what it owes despite Barrister’s “amicable demand” that it do so, said the complaint (in Pacer), filed in a state court in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, where Barrister is headquartered. “Samsung has never denied owing Barrister this money,” it said. “It simply has not paid the amount due.” The “amount in controversy exceeds the statutory minimum” of $75,000 for removing the state complaint to federal court, said Samsung in its notice of removal Thursday (in Pacer). “Plaintiff alleges that it is owed $86,643.80 under a contractual agreement between Plaintiff and Samsung, which is denied,” said Samsung. As further grounds for removal, “complete diversity” exists between Barrister, a “citizen” of Delaware and Louisiana, and Samsung, a citizen of New York and New Jersey, it said. Barrister representatives didn’t comment on the removal.