Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Most cases taken on contingency are personal injury cases where the fault clearly lies with some one who either has deep pockets or lots of liability insurance and the opposing party would rather settle then spend money on legal fees or risk their reputation.

None of that seems to be the case here. I suspect you didn't check to see if he really was bonded before signing the contract.

I see a potential for an action under the Consumer Protection Law. That could get you awarded triple damages and attorneys fees. The key word here is awarded. You then have to collect and the other party could disappear, go bankrupt, or be judgment proof and your award is worthless. Therefore no attorney would ever take this or any similiar case on contingency as they will unlikely see dime one nor will you.

If you want to pursue this matter you're going to have to show your confidence in the case by hiring an attorney and paying his fee and expect to make it up on the judgment.

You're asking the lawyer to take the risk of getting paid as well as having to do all that work potentially for free even if you win your case.

A lawyer's time is his stock in trade. So why would any lawyer take your deal when he could be working for clients who are willing to actually pay for his time.

{John}

I would have to agree. Attorneys only take a contingency fee case where they are 99% sure that they will be paid, like in an auto accident or a medical malpractice case.

You can ask for attorney fees under the Consumer Protection Law, but those are only paid out at the end of the case and are a reimbursement to you.

Try filing a complaint with the state attorney general. Contractors are now required to register if they perform more than $5000 worth of work.

See http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx

You cn try filing a complaint with the state attorny general, but if you want to go after this guy, I am afraid that you will have to hire an attorney.