$20M Lawsuit Nightmare: Lessons in Accountability & Liability from the Spray Foam Industry

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes Walter Mleczko II, President and Chief Executive Officer at Performance Spray Foam Texas Inc. Walter shares the intense story of navigating a five-year lawsuit that could have crippled his business, all stemming from a jobsite injury that occurred after his crew had been ordered to leave.

Walter walks listeners through the events that led to the lawsuit, how his company became the sole target, and the profound legal and financial implications that followed. Despite doing everything by the book—safety measures, documentation, and jobsite prep—his business faced millions in damages and skyrocketing insurance costs. Walter also sheds light on industry-specific hazards, from VOC off-gassing in tight homes to costly oversights in retrofit jobs. His real-world insights serve as a crucial wake-up call for contractors on the importance of accountability, jobsite documentation, and detailed contracts.

Key Topics Covered:

• The shocking $20 million lawsuit and its five-year toll on Walter’s business
• How overlooked prep materials and jobsite control can create legal nightmares
• The risks of working on jobs with previous contractors’ mistakes
• Why tight homes need fresh air—and how HVAC missteps can backfire
• Practical steps for protecting your crew, company, and clients from liability