Legal Question in Construction Law in Alabama

Rip off repairman

I hired a company to replace the fiberglass flooring and the under flooring of my boat. I was charged 688.00 to do this. (the estimate went up 300.00 while they had the boat) a few weeks ago, i took the boat to another gentleman to replace the padding, and he claimed the floor was a mess. i'm not familiar with fiberglass or repair work, so i took my video camera there while he explained in detail what was wrong. he said that resin had not been used over the actual fiberglass, so when he lifted up the floor, the fiberglass fell right off of the plywood. underneath the fiberglass, i was told that the first compan had replaced the wood beacuse it was rotten. after lifting the fiberglass off, it was discovered that the floor was still rotten. they had charged me for labor and supplies but no work was done. just covered up. i now have to pay this other gentleman to repair the boat, and the first company refuses to refund the money back to me. i have the statement wehre they claimed to do the work and it detailed as to how much i ws charged for labor and supplies. should i try to take this to small claims court or since this was a business, do i need to hire an attorney? thank you.


Asked on 6/04/03, 4:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jon Lewis Lewis, Feldman, & Lehane, LLC

Re: Rip off repairman

Obviously, it's up to you whether you take it to small claims court or hire an attorney. Be mindful that some judges give you leeway in small claims court, and some hold you to the standards of an attorney. It would depend whether the company hires an attorney. If they are incorporated, they have to hire an attorney. Sometimes it can be an advantage to you if they have an attorney, and sometimes it can be a disadvantage.

Was the first company a large, reputable company? Who was the second person who looked at it? Can you prove they didn't do the work, or can you only prove that it wasn't done right? I would be interested in discussing the matter with you if you would like to give me a call: (205) 254-3927.

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Answered on 6/09/03, 11:31 am


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