what to do if an attorney tries to shake you down

1. Document the Work and Use Receipts

Despite doing your research and hiring (what seemed like) the best contractor, you may have bad luck. Poor quality of work, inefficient installation, or poor communication can leave you feeling duped.

2. Take the Contractor to Small Claims Court

You can pursue a case in small claims court if you feel a contractor has shorted you or left you in the sawdust. In small claims court, you can file monetary claims against other individuals or companies. You can typically file for damages up to $10,000. However, the amount you can claim varies state-to-state.

3. Consult an Attorney

In extreme cases, the contractor could owe you more than the state limit on small claims. You might also feel more confident hiring an expert lawyer.

4. File a Complaint With the State

Most states require contractors in the construction industry to be licensed. So if you’re having difficulties getting your money back from a contractor, contact your state's licensing board to file a complaint. If you believe that a contractor has mistreated you, the state board may be able to mediate.

5. File a Claim Against the Contractor's Bond

Homeowners may also exercise provisions in the contract for a contractor's bond. A bonded contractor has an agreement with the customer and their insurance agency.

8. Hire a Trustworthy Contractor for Your Home

Sometimes it takes one wrong contractor to leave a bad taste in your mouth. But, there are a lot of contractors near you with integrity, skill, and experience. For the best experience possible, homeowners should take these steps when hiring a contractor:

What is it called when you use a credit card to get a refund?

This is called a chargeback.

How much can you sue in small claims court?

Every state has its own small claims court system, and the limits are different for each — for example, in Alaska, you can sue in small claims for up to $10,000, while Arkansas has a $5,000 limit. You’ll have to do a little research to find out the limit in your state, and whether small claims court is an option for your dispute.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims?

You also don’t need to have a lawyer in small claims court, though depending on the size of the company you’re going up against, you may want to have one anyway — if the business you’re suing comes with a lawyer and you don’t have one, you may be at a disadvantage.

What is chargeback in business?

A chargeback is a serious process, and you should only request one if you have a legitimate dispute with a business and the business refuses to help you resolve it on their own.

Is arbitration faster than a lawsuit?

Arbitration is a bit like the court system, but stripped down. It’s often faster, less expensive, and less complex than a lawsuit, which is why many companies favor it. It’s still a common and legitimate way for consumers to seek justice when they’ve been wronged by any company, big or small.

What happens if you reverse a chargeback?

If they do reverse the charge in your favor, it can affect the merchant on the other end financially — they may need to pay administrative fees to the credit issuer, and businesses that accrue multiple chargebacks may have their bank accounts closed because of it.

What do mediators do?

But professional mediators have had special training in helping two parties in a dispute reach resolution, and they’ll try to help you, too. Mediators listen to both sides of the dispute, guide the discussion, and try to help you and the seller reach a compromise.

Jason Michael Reid

Check Florida statute 365.16. It covers harassing phone calls. If. you think that he is in violation of this statute, you can file a police report. You can file for an injunction also known as a restraining order, but you will need more egregious facts to have a likely chance at succeeding.#N#More

Ralph H. Schofield Jr

First, I would recommend blocking his number to the extent that is possible.

William A. Jones Jr

You could report the behavior to law enforcement as it sounds to be criminal in nature from your description. A more practical and possibly fundamental issue concerns your current living arrangements.