Arkansas AG Sues Tree Service for Tornado Price Gouging

The Arkansas Attorney General, Tim Griffin, has filed a lawsuit against Capital City Tree Service LLC for alleged price gouging during tornado recovery efforts in 2023 and 2024. The company is accused of charging exorbitant fees, up to $35,948, for single tree removals, violating state law that prohibits price increases over 10% during emergencies. To bypass this law, the company had consumers sign contracts with an eight-hour minimum charge, despite jobs often taking less time, and did not collaborate with insurance companies for payment, leaving customers responsible for the inflated bills. Griffin claims the company exploited vulnerable residents, including many over the age of 60, by misleading them into thinking insurance would cover costs and, in some cases, filing liens on their homes if payments weren't made. The lawsuit seeks restitution for affected consumers and penalties for the company's deceptive practices.