Needed - Legal council against a customer

[fishn4cuda]

Guys,
I have a situation that I built an Eleanor for a customer and the car is bogus via the customers intentions (Not associated with the Unique performance situation). He took delivery of his car last Sat and was estactic. On Tues, he made threats to sue and cancelled his check to me. I have also been shorted in labor on two cars from the same person. One car was subcontracted to me, the other the party involved owned. Please PM me. I need some serious help here. I have restored cars for 20 yrs and have never had a customer as arrogant and determined to sue as this. I have never had a dissatisfied customer. Ever!  :dunno:It's a long story and has been very stressful in the last week. This is my passion...to build beautiful cars. Again I'm calling out for some help!
Thanks,
Fishn

[70challrtse]

Best advice anyone can give you is to call a lawyer.

[ntstlgl1970]

Best advice anyone can give you is to call a lawyer.

 

don't mess around, get a lawyer. Might scare the guy into leaving you alone if he knows you don't put up with this bs

[fishn4cuda]

I have and they want $5000 retaining fees. Plus $175 / hr. I'm so sick to my stomich....I've never been so insulted and belittled.

[nivvy]

What didnt he like about the car

[Oldschool]

Not sure I fully understand what happened.     But if the work performed by you was not related to anything bogus and you can document how the car arrived to you and everything you did to it by the time the customer picked it up, you should be fine.  If you only did work approved by the customer, and he was happy with the work, what's his beef with you? If your work was approved by him, and you have full documentation, then let him sue, it won't get very far in the court system.  Remember, you can sue anyone for anything----but that does not mean you will win.  Good luck Fishn....  

[The Cuda Guy]

Tony,

Srobinson4 is a member here and he is a attorney in Florida.  He put me on the right track when I had my issues come up in Florida.  He might be able to help you?  Maybe you can shoot him a PM?  Hope this helps bro.

Don

[FJ5_440]

I am no lawyer, but just wanted to give you a reminder that you should be careful what you post about this situation.  As your friends we are all curious as to the details of the situation, but the less you post about it on a public forum, the better off you will probably be.  I wish I knew a good lawyer who could help you.  Best of luck.

[fishn4cuda]

I am no lawyer, but just wanted to give you a reminder that you should be careful what you post about this situation.  As your friends we are all curious as to the details of the situation, but the less you post about it on a public forum, the better off you will probably be.  I wish I knew a good lawyer who could help you.  Best of luck.

I agree. This is why I would like to be PM'd on the situation. I know all are curious about the issue. I have built my business on common sense and treating people right. Not sure where to turn right now. Just asking for some private help. I built my business from nothing but desire and determination. And I mean nothing..not a pot to piss in! Especially after being 16 and having a shop take my life savings to paint my 70 Challenger Conv over 25 yrs ago and doing a poor job. I swore I would never let something like that ever happen again to anyone that came to me for a repaint.

[fishn4cuda]

Tony,

Srobinson4 is a member here and he is a attorney in Florida.  He put me on the right track when I had my issues come up in Florida.  He might be able to help you?  Maybe you can shoot him a PM?  Hope this helps bro.

Don

Thank you Don.
I will contact him!
Tony

[moparnut]

Some people do this intentionally,they should be drawn and quartered
THey buy something then think if they raise heck they can get it cheaper or not pay at all.I have a contractor buddy that has this happen to him every once in a while,usually from some arrogant jerk doctor.He does really nice work,then gets stiffed when it comes to pay the bill.Some people get off on doing this,its rotten,low handed BS they should be shot for.NOt an honest bone in their bodies.What kind of smuck wont pay the bill after excellent work is done and a hand shake?A hand shake means nothing these days,or a written contract for that matter.

[Madmax440]

This is a crying shame and probably boils down to someone is just looking for a way of taking advantage of you and not pay for something that he has received.

Tony, I wish that I was an Attorney because I can assure you that I would be there Gratis.

Lets all try to remember back to a year ago and how someone stepped up and was THE major part in making someones dream come true here. Someone that gave from his heart to help us acheive a very lofty goal. All I kept hearing at Carlisle is "Tony if there is ever anything that I do for you". Hopefully Cuda Guys suggestion of trying to contact Srobinson4 will be able to help you out. I know that you should at least place a mechanics lien on the car.     

[bb71challenger]

This is awful and I hope you get it resolved quickly. Once you find out what his claims are and when you can prove them false, sue HIS ass for defamation of character, pain and suffering, lost wages, whatever you can. Turnabout is fair play. Good luck

[DoNotChallengeHer]

Tony, That really $ucks. I know what a stand up guy you are. I saw what outstanding work you do. I wish I could help. I hope everything works out.  That was a really sneaky move on that guys part. Pick up the car, write a check, then stop payment. It's too bad that you still don't have the car. I hope you can place a mechanic's lien on his car.

[4Cruizn]

WOW . . cancelled the check.  Note to self . . . from now on, everyone pays with cash!  

I think your attorney appears alittle expensive.  Did you check around a little and get a second opinion.  You say this guy has screwed you in the past?  There is your first mistake.  Learn the lesson the first time around and remember!   

I don't think you have much of a choice but to get a lawyer and sue him for payment, lawyer costs and court fees.  And maybe teach him a lesson about how you treat people and paying your debts.  Hope the check amount wasn't too high.