Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania you can sue almost anybody for anything. He would have to file an action for replevin. Asking the court to order you to give back the item. The bad news for your client such actions have to take place in Common Pleas Court not the DJ. DJ's lack subject matter jurisdiction. The good news is when you are sued you can ask for the $2500 owed. The not so good news is you will need a lawyer. The procedures is Common Pleas Court are generally beyond the ability of a non-lawyer.

{John}

John covered the legal aspect. At the practical level, he's doesn't really expect a free repair, he's negotiating. If I had that much invested in an antique and repair, I'd be upset that it took two years. Was he contacting you during that time to ask why it was taking so long? Although no time period was stated, he can argue a reasonable time is implied in such a contract, and if the judge buys that, it would be awfully hard to show that two years is reasonable for a furniture repair.

I guess keeping him as a happy customer would be a lost cause. But you might want to make a counter, say $500 or $700 off, and be prepared to take half.

(he could pay under protest and sue in small claims without a lawyer, also). Legal fees in Common Pleas could easily exceed $2500.