Contact the clerk of the court to obtain and file the necessary paperwork — most courts make the information available online. Filing costs average around $50, and you may incur additional fees for collection if your contractor loses and still doesn’t pay. You’ll need solid documentation to show you were harmed.
What is suing for damages?
: to sue to get money for unfair treatment, damage, etc., that one has suffered.
What to do if someone breaks a contract?
- Review the contract or the agreement
- Calculate how much you have lost as a result of the contract being broken.
- Reach out to the person who broke the contract.
- Consider inviting the person who broke the contract to mediation.
- Consider suing them in small claims court
Is it possible to sue a contractor for money?
Filing a lawsuit in civil court is an option if you are looking for the contractor to do something as part of the contract. Usually, suing for money is done in small claims court.
Can you file a legal claim against a contractor?
There are many reasons you can file a legal claim against a contractor. If you signed a contract, he can be in breach of that contract. If the construction work is defective or if he was fraudulent in some way, there can be a case for suing.
Is there a chance of winning a lawsuit against a contractor?
Several times I have been severely damaged by a bad or corrupt contractor and opted not to pursue a lawsuit because the contractor really didn’t have anything to go after. And no matter how egregious the contractor’s action, there is never more than a 50/50 chance of winning in court.
What do you have to prove if you sue a contractor for?
If the contractor used substandard materials, delayed in completing the contract after the agreed-upon finish date, or otherwise failed to do what was promised, you could also pursue a claim for damages.
