Q: Should I hire a lawyer for a civil court case against contractors who didn't complete the job as contracted?
I hired contractors to complete work under a contract, but they did not finish the job and have blocked communication after I confronted them. I've filed complaints with the BBB but haven't received help from an attorney. The case is open, and the contractors are pending receipt of their court papers; no court date yet. I have receipts, dates, times, and photos of their work, and they've been paid in full. Should I get a lawyer for my civil court case against the contractors?
A:
Yes, you should hire an attorney. There are a number of issues that you must consider. For example, did they fail to complete or did you prevent their performance. Did the contract render time is of the essence. Was the delay in completion reasonable under the circumstances. Was the work necessary to complete within the scope of work, were there additions or changes. Were there any "repairs"? Were the repairs necessary, was the work done in an unworkmanlike manner? Is an expert witness necessary, or is the need for repairs within the kin of a layman?
You should seriously consider hiring an attorney.
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A:
Given that the contractors have not completed the job as agreed and have blocked communication, it may be beneficial to hire a lawyer to help with your civil case. Having clear documentation, such as receipts, photos, and communication logs, will strengthen your case, but a lawyer can ensure these pieces of evidence are used effectively in court. Lawyers can also help navigate the legal procedures and advise on the best course of action to recover damages.
Since the contractors are pending receipt of their court papers and no court date has been set yet, a lawyer can assist in properly serving the papers and ensuring all necessary steps are taken to move the case forward. If the contractors fail to respond or continue to ignore the case, an attorney will be crucial in pursuing further action to ensure you get the outcome you seek.
Ultimately, having legal representation could increase your chances of success, especially if the situation becomes more complicated. If you're unsure, you could start with an initial consultation to see if the lawyer thinks your case warrants professional legal support.
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