The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico recently ruled on a case involving a construction contract dispute between homeowners Richard Santana Villanueva and Lizzie Medina Coris and Momentum Group LLC, along with its president, Mario J. Roldán del Cueto. The court denied Roldán's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the homeowners' claims to proceed. This decision is significant as it addresses issues of contractual obligations and personal liability in construction projects.
The case, officially filed under docket number TA2026CE00775, arose from a dispute over a remodeling contract signed on November 4, 2024. The homeowners claimed that Momentum Group failed to fulfill its obligations under the contract, leading to substantial damages. The court's ruling impacts not only the parties involved but also sets a precedent for similar construction disputes in Puerto Rico.
Richard Santana Villanueva and Lizzie Medina Coris filed their lawsuit on February 9, 2026, alleging multiple claims against Momentum Group and Roldán. They accused the company of breach of contract, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. The homeowners reported numerous issues with the construction project, including delays, poor workmanship, and lack of qualified supervision. They sought damages totaling over $587,000.
Momentum Group, represented by Roldán, responded by denying the allegations and claiming that the homeowners were responsible for the contract's termination. Roldán filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the homeowners had not provided sufficient evidence to hold him personally liable for the company's actions. He contended that the legal structure of the company protected him from personal responsibility.
On May 28, 2026, the lower court, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, denied Roldán's motion to dismiss, stating that the case should proceed. Roldán then appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals, leading to the recent ruling. The court, led by Judge Hernández Sánchez and joined by Judges Rivera Torres and Marrero Guerrero, examined the appeal and ultimately decided to uphold the lower court's ruling.
The court ruled, "We do not identify reason for this Forum to intervene. There are no situations that warrant intervention at this stage." This decision means that the homeowners can continue to pursue their claims against both Momentum Group and Roldán, and the case will move forward in the legal system.
The ruling is important for several reasons. First, it reinforces the principle that individuals can be held personally liable for actions taken in their professional capacity if sufficient evidence is presented. This could encourage greater accountability in the construction industry, where homeowners often face challenges in holding contractors responsible for poor work.
Additionally, the court's decision highlights the importance of thorough documentation and communication in construction contracts. Homeowners are encouraged to ensure that contracts are clear and that contractors meet industry standards to avoid disputes. The ruling may also influence how future cases are handled in Puerto Rico, particularly those involving construction and contractual obligations.
Looking ahead, the case will proceed to the next stages of litigation, including discovery, where both parties will gather evidence to support their claims. Roldán's options for appeal may still be available after the trial concludes, depending on the outcome. The court's ruling does not preclude him from raising similar arguments in the future, especially if new evidence emerges during the discovery process.
As this case progresses, it will be closely watched by both homeowners and contractors in Puerto Rico, as it may set important precedents for construction law and personal liability in the industry.