Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic dB
Yes, that is what Im thinking. The scumbag did not call today as he promised he would yesterday because he was supposed "be in your town and I will meet you with the $". What a jerkoff. Anyway, here is the total on that job:
$380 "repair" + $447 new repair + $455 new fan and bearing + $45 one day of rental car = $1327. Now I wouldnt sue for that whole amount since the initial bearing went out to cause the problem in the first place, but the amount I would go for would be closer to $1000.
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Man...don't you folks watch Judge Judy?
Think of it as throwing cow crap against a wall. Whatever sticks, you keep.
So...sue him for EVERYTHING. You will get one of three possible results:
1) He will crap his pants when he sees the figure you're claiming and call you. You then offer to settle (out of court) for the $200 you initially requested.
2) He will not show up in court. You show the judge a bunch of receipts, pics, yada, yada, yada. Judge bangs the gavel and awards you $1327. You record the judgment with the State Board of Equalization and the County Recorder in his county. Good for 20 years. You eventually collect, with interest, when he tries to buy/sell a property, wins the lottery, etc. etc.
3) He shows up in court and argues against your "inflated" claim. Judge awards you $200 + something for your inconvenience.
So...it's a no brainer: Win-win-win situation.
Whenever a client owes me $$$ and I have to drag them to court, I always file the small claims action for the largest amount possible ($7500 in CA). I don't care if they owe me $200, I file a claim for $7500. Doesn't cost any more, right? And, when the deadbeat...I mean "client" sees that figure, I ALWAYS receive a phone call the next day asking how/when/where I would like my payment.