Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

Compensation for poor workmanship

Recently had some engine work done by a friend who is a certified auto mechanic. No verbal or written contracts or guarantees were done before work started. After he completed work, payment was made to mechanic. After 2 days, engine work failed causing extreme damage to engine internals. After checking engine and speaking to other qualified mechanics and engine builders, there was an important step in the service manual he DID NOT follow, which most likely caused the failure. After asking him if he did this procedure, he admitted that it was not done. Informal resolutions have failed as far as any kind of refund. My question is if I have any legal recourse to recoup some of my money lost. All I want is the labor I paid him plus the parts that he installed that were destroyed. Since no contracts or guarantees were made, I have a feeling that I'm stuck with this problem.


Asked on 4/18/03, 4:51 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Thaddeus Hunt Law Offices of Thaddeus Hunt

Re: Compensation for poor workmanship

You are not out of luck at all. Granted, the lack of a contract can make the issue of proof a little more difficult. However, there may still be a good chance at recovery. A lack of a written contract certainly does not mean that you do not have rights.

Call my office at (312) 236-9906. I will need to know how much you paid the mechanic in parts and labor as well as some other items.

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Answered on 4/18/03, 11:41 pm
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Compensation for poor workmanship

Ah the joy of the law! You are not stuck. See an attorney to decide what your rights are.

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Answered on 4/20/03, 1:30 pm


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