A contractor was suppose to install wood flooring and when I paid him for materials and labor, he didn't show up for several days after that. When finally contacted him lame excuses led to hang up calls. Sent a demand letter with details and it's been ignored, gave an additional 5 days to return the money. That was over a week ago. Was told by the police dept to file a lawsuit. Should I spend the money on hiring a lawyer and have the contractor pay the fees or is it pretty easy to do it on my own?
2006-07-17 07:54:36 · 5 answers · asked by Irma F 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
File a claim in small claims court yourself. Doesn't sound like the contractor has much of a defense, so it should be an easy win for you. Plus, a lawyer is really expensive and might not be worth it.
2006-07-17 07:58:44 · answer #1 · answered by Princess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the state you are in, filing a formal law suit will take years before resolution happens. The nest thing to do is go to small claims court and file there. According to the law he has to show up to court or he declines his right and a judgement is files against him. After that you can co to a collection agency and pursue your oney that way or the judgement means you can begin to seize property.
That would be the best way to go
2006-07-17 08:00:05 · answer #2 · answered by Mscott21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless it is small claims court (and $5K is not a small claims court issue), get a lawyer.
Be sure to include your legal fees in your lawsuit amount so you don't end up winning the verdict and turning it over to a lawyer.
2006-07-17 07:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by Jon T. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u cant file for small claims... small claims is only for 1000$ and if u did happen to win you would have to go and get ur money the court wont force him.
2006-07-17 07:58:50 · answer #4 · answered by tst1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an attorney and get it done now and right.
2006-07-17 07:58:23 · answer #5 · answered by pappa_15 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋