Can I sue for damages? I had a plumber come into my house...

[ceeza33]

I had a plumber come into my house to fix a leaky pipe in my basement bathroom. It went from repairing a leaky pipe to getting my entire bathroom redone (which I allowed the plumber and his crew to do). Everything was done without a contract because he had done work for my in-laws so I thought I could trust him. Now I have two NEW leaks. I called him several times and each time he told me he would be here to fix them. A few days ago I woke up to ANOTHER leak which soaked my basement floor. I still haven't heard a response from him and it has been almost two months. I have already paid him in FULL and now I'm stuck with leaks that I have no idea how to repair. Am I just going to have to hire a new plumber and chalk up the loss? Or, should I take him to small claims court?

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that an oral contract is a valid contract. You may give a written notice to the plumber. If the plumber does not resolve the matter, you may file a lawsuit in the Small Claims Court. You may show all the evidence in the Court to show your viewpoint to the Court. You may represent yourself or hire an attorney. You may take guidance from the Small Claims Court Guide on how to conduct the litigation in the Small Claims Court. You may contact the Office of the Clerk. The burden of proof will be on you to prove the claims made by you. You may claim damages and costs. The Court will consider all the facts and decide the matter.

AFF

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by ceeza33 I had a plumber come into my house to fix a leaky pipe in my basement bathroom. It went from repairing a leaky pipe to getting my entire bathroom redone (which I allowed the plumber and his crew to do). Everything was done without a contract because he had done work for my in-laws so I thought I could trust him. Now I have two NEW leaks. I called him several times and each time he told me he would be here to fix them. A few days ago I woke up to ANOTHER leak which soaked my basement floor. I still haven't heard a response from him and it has been almost two months. I have already paid him in FULL and now I'm stuck with leaks that I have no idea how to repair. Am I just going to have to hire a new plumber and chalk up the loss? Or, should I take him to small claims court?

After notifying the plumber in writing that the job was done improperly, the most practical route is to have another plumber repair the leaks AND identify that the previous job was done improperly -- be willing to go down in black and white that the original job was not done in a workmanship -like manner.

Then you are free to sue the original plumber for the cost to repair his work and you will have the evidence you need in court.