Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Poor workmanship: Automobile Refurbishing

Classic '70 VW refurbished by one person. Bumpers required new chrome, that task was subcontracted to someone who is now out of business. Approx. $1,000.00 paid for job on bumpers, chrome now peeling! No receipt from subcontractor just main person who did rest of work. He won't rectify since he did not do work. How can I make him re-do or pay for damage already occuring (job only 7 mos. old) to bumpers? Do I have a case in small claims with a receipt? Please help!


Asked on 4/23/98, 3:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Levy Law Office of Steven R. Levy

Liability for Work of Subcontractor

If you hired the "main person" to do work that included the bumpers, the person is responsible for the bad work of the subcontractor. Much depends upon whom you paid for the bumpers. If you dealt directly with the subcontractor, the main person would probably not be responsible. If you paid the "main person" for the bumper work, they are probably on the hook. The general principle of law is that "the contractot is responsible for the negligent work and/or acts of his/her subcontractor."THIS INFORMATION IS BASED ON GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF LAW AND IS PROVIDED AS A COURTESY ONLY. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO, AND DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT OR OTHER ONGOING RELATIONSHIP. YOU SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY AS SOON AS YOU HAVE ANY LEGAL QUESTION. DELAY, FAILURE TO ACT, OR IMPROPER ACTS CAN RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF LEGAL RIGHTS.

Read more
Answered on 5/14/98, 11:15 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in California