Legal Question in Technology Law in New York
Getting payment from a cyberspace business
Several writers and I have had trouble with an online publication. We're owed thousands of dollars in article fees, all of which were supposed to be paid on acceptance. The owner of the magazine has been contacted dozens of times, and seems to be in hiding.
We all want to sue to get our money back, but aren't sure how this will work since we are located in three different countries, and he lives in New York.
Together, we are owed more than $5,000, and have all the documentation to prove it. We are not sure of what avenues we can take. What we don't have is money and information. Several of the writers are on Social Security, and really needed that money to survive.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Getting payment from a cyberspace business
You could sue the publisher, but it is quite likely, the attorneys' fees would exceed your recovery if all that is owed to you all is $5000.00
Daniel clement
Re: Getting payment from a cyberspace business
I am not a New York lawyer but can tell you that you are not likely to get anywere with your claim. It is to small for any attorney to mess with on a contingency, especially with you spread about in foreign countries and having no money and the defendant in hiding. Chalk it up to experience and move on. Next time get an advance from the publisher or make sure the publisher is financially solvent and readily accessible.