Case Background
The dispute began in August 2022 when Brian Michael Mangual hired Full Circle Exterior Solutions, LLC to perform a significant home improvement project at his residence in Clemmons, North Carolina. The project scope included removing existing solar panels, replacing the shingled roof with high-quality GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, and then reinstalling the solar panels using new mounting hardware. Full Circle completed the roof installation by mid-August 2023 and reinstalled the solar panels the following day.
Cause
The legal battle erupted after Full Circle finished the work and sought the agreed-upon payment of $18,106.08. Mangual claimed that his homeowner’s insurance, USAA, would cover the costs but insisted he needed a completion certificate and a lien waiver from the contractor before the insurer would release the funds. Although Full Circle typically required full payment before issuing such waivers, they relied on Mangual’s promise to pay once he received the insurance check and provided the documents.
Injury
Full Circle alleged that Mangual deceived them to gain the lien waiver and then withheld the full payment despite receiving a substantial payout from USAA. The company claimed they suffered financial loss and lost their legal right to secure a lien on the property because they had trusted Mangual’s word.
Damages Sought
In its initial complaint, Full Circle asked the Court for the remaining balance of $5,006.08 in compensatory damages, plus 8% interest. Additionally, the company sought punitive damages exceeding $25,000, arguing that Mangual’s actions were fraudulent and malicious.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Full Circle Exterior Solutions, LLC
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): L. Lamar Armstrong, Jr. of The Armstrong Law Firm, P.A.
Defendant(s): Brian Michael Mangual
Counsel for Defendant(s): Henry P. Van Hoy, II | Alexandra Bentley | G. Gray Wilson | Lorin J. Lapidus
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
Full Circle’s attorney argued that Mangual had orchestrated a scheme to avoid paying for his new roof. They contended that Mangual had authorized Full Circle to speak with USAA but later threatened to sue the company for those very communications to stop them from collecting the debt. The Plaintiff further alleged that Mangual had manipulated invoices and concealed the fact that USAA had actually paid him over $25,000 for the project.
Defense
Mangual’s defense team countered that the work was incomplete and defective. They filed counterclaims alleging that Full Circle failed to clean the property, installed the roofing shingles and flashing incorrectly, and damaged the home’s aluminum trim. Mangual also argued that the solar panel reinstallation was botched, leading to a 20% drop in energy production. He claimed the lawsuit itself was a form of unfair debt collection intended to harass him.
Jury Verdict
The jury carefully considered the evidence presented regarding the broken promises and financial deception that occurred after the roofing project was finished. They focused on how the homeowner had convinced the contractor to give up their legal right to a property lien by promising a quick payment that never fully arrived. After reviewing the records, the jury found that the homeowner’s actions were not just a simple disagreement over a bill but reached the level of intentional fraud and malicious conduct.
Because the homeowner had intentionally misled the company to avoid paying his debt even after he received a large insurance payout, the jury decided that a strong penalty was necessary. They returned a unanimous verdict requiring Brian Michael Mangual to pay a significant sum in punitive damages to Full Circle Exterior Solutions, LLC. The final award was set at $98,106.08; a figure meant to punish the deceptive behavior and serve as a warning to others. This amount was nearly four times the original $25,000 the company had initially requested in its lawsuit. The decision was officially recorded by the Court on September 30, 2025, bringing a definitive end to the legal battle.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
