Trying to collect a debt

[smkdiver09]

What steps should I take to collect a debt for work that I've done for a subcontractor? I started the project in 01/09 and finished in 03/09. I was paid every 10th of the month for work that was done up to the 20th of each month. (example: started on 1/15/09, I was paid for everything that was done up to the 01/20/09 in 02/10/09).Everything went well on the job but the last pay period didn't get anything. The guy stop answering phone calls, no one got paid. He haven't skipped town, just not paying anyone, the amout is a little over $26,000. I dont know what to do, I just found out it owes, the concrete company, sod farm and puckett machinery.

File liens on all your work if possible and/or file in small claims or regular court for funds due.

that was my thought as well, but I found out I couldn't file a lien because he's a subcontractor as well and the property where the work was done is privately owned. Did I mention, I'm in misssissippi. What I've learned the amount is to high for small claims court.