Angry needs a lawyer

[Angry_Games]

so Angry needs you, or your spouse, or family/friend lawyer because a customer (ex-NHL hockey player + ex-ECHL hockey player) refuses to finish paying for a custom video-editing workstation that I built for them way back in Oct/Nov.

 

I've got all the invoices and email agreements but I have no local attorney anymore (because I'm dirt-poor right now) so I sorta need to talk to someone.

 

A real attorney, not you, joe-internet-attorney. Plus i need to kinda get it pro-bono (however attorney's fees are usually included in the judgment and there's no possibility of losing this one).

 

I really hate pro athletes. In the last 3 years I've ran across too many of them and every last one of them is a deadbeat who can't pay their bills (yet they buy nice $300k homes and $50k cars).

 

I'm so pissed right now that I even have to go through this, but I need the money they've owed me for 8+ months, and I don't have any other direction to turn in. I could just go small claims court and be done with it, but it costs $ to file that. Normally attorneys can settle out of court before all that happens, which is what I'm hoping once one sees the evidence, the other parties would be foolish to let it go that far.

 

anyway, i wasn't gonna make this long but dammit I'm pissed, and I'm tired of deadbeats always trying to beat me on money they owe, especially professional athletes who live much better than I do. I'm not looking to sue for some stupid amount like a million dollars. I simply want my $500.00 from these jokers.

 

so, if you are an attorney, are married to one, or a molester-uncle is one, I'd appreciate if you could give me a hand.

[justin131]

Ouch. I hope someone can help you out. Good luck.

[ReelFiles]

Damn, that really sucks. Been there, done that. I have been robbed before too, but it was less than $300 and I would have lost more than that just having to take of 2 days of work for court, so I just let it slide. Hope somebody can help you out.

[radodrill]

That sucks; hope you get your money back :angel:

[Luc@z]

This suggestion may not apply, may not come into effect until a later time than you desire, or may not be pro-bono, but if Momma's job entails being part of a teacher's union, her contract may include some attorney perks.

 

(That's a heckuva lot of mays for July! )

[Yukon Trooper]

Wow... just goes to show you how money can get to some people's heads. All the money in the world but they figure they need to keep every last penny. Like a cornered animal fighting for its life. Sick.

 

Hopefully someone can help you out. I am sure you have contacts with lots of other forums Angry, and there has to be a lawyer out there somewhere who is willing to sacrifice some private time.

 

Too bad its not Canada. Up here if we can't afford a personal attorney then we are appointed one by the Crown. 10 points for Socialism.

[taowulf]

I wish more disputes like could be just be settled with a can o' whup butt.

 

Lawyers suck.

[justin131]

Wow... just goes to show you how money can get to some people's heads. All the money in the world but they figure they need to keep every last penny. Like a cornered animal fighting for its life. Sick.

 

Hopefully someone can help you out. I am sure you have contacts with lots of other forums Angry, and there has to be a lawyer out there somewhere who is willing to sacrifice some private time.

 

Too bad its not Canada. Up here if we can't afford a personal attorney then we are appointed one by the Crown. 10 points for Socialism.

 

Another point for Canada, right below free healthcare! Yay!

[Angry_Games]

well after steaming and stewing all day, I think I'm going to just eat it. My need for revenge (well, it would actually just be justice, since I only want the money owed to me) is sometimes a bit too strong.

 

I hate deadbeat mofos. But I think I hate lawyers more than I hate deadbeat mofos.

[old_geekster]

I used small claims court for a $500 case (dry cleaners ruined our new drapes) and won. The judge made the company pay me the $500 and all of my court costs. So, the cost to me was $0 and I got my $500.

 

A lawyer is not required for small claims court, at least in Washington State.

[Angry_Games]

well I rant about how I hate lawyers and the fact that everyone sues everyone these days (even though I feel justified since I performed services and am getting ripped off for 8+ months). I'm more interested in talking to a lawyer before to make sure I go into court prepared, but all the attorneys I don't personally know (which is all of them) want $ to talk to me.

 

I'll probably just eat it and burn with rage inside for a good long time about it.

[dr_bowtie]

what I would do...

 

I would take it to small claims...

 

before you do...figure your cost in time for re-invoicing...phone calls and drive by's what ever in monies owed plus interest...you are allowed a certain amount...

 

then add in filing fees and accountant fees if you let momma invoice...

 

the sue for that amount...thats what I do...

 

And from now on if you build a PC for some one like that make them sign a contract up front....also put in the contract in the small print about ANY unpaid balance will be charged interest after 30 days AND BUYER is responsible for ALL lawyer fees and court cost or ANY fees accounted for in obtaining a late balance....

 

If you dont put that in there they can tend to drag it out a bit if it has to escalate beyond claims court...

 

this works for me and I charge 29.9% interest in any balance after 30 days..

 

if I have to take it to court I go from the 1st invoice date...only had to do it one time but for a $1,500.00 bill I ended up getting $ 5000.00 in late fees and interest granted by the judge...

 

I could have eaten it by why? it became a Principal thing to me....

 

I make all customers sign the 1st invoice even in my construction business...failure to do so results in a waiver of the warrantee which is explained before they sign...