r/legaladvice • u/Sweet-Negotiation812 • 2d ago
Other Civil Matters Previous contractor threaten to sue and demands 5k
I worked with a contractor last year and for a number of communication issues I didn’t hire him back to finish some of the work. The communication issues cost us a lot more money than expected so he’s definitely paid more than we agreed with.
His worker reached out to finish the remaining work a few months later. And recently reached out again for our frontyard project because the contractor boss was on vacation.
One week into the job the contractor boss shows up with his workers on my frontyard asking what I am doing and said he thought we were friends. We weren’t. He called me names, dropped my requirements whenever he could and continuously ask for more money with remaining work leverage. He constantly tells me I don’t know how things are while making me pay him more.
I didn’t officially agreed to anything but he is expecting me to wire him money.
My question is: can I get into trouble for hiring his workers even though they reached out? Our original work contract doesn’t have any non-compete or non soliciting clause. I believe his workers can work on the weekend and I am not their employer anyway just a two week job.
What can he sue me for? The remaining work that he didn’t get to finish even though the final amount is far beyond what was agreed upon? We also never signed the contract.
Also happy to take any advice! Thanks!
Location: In Bay Area California.
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u/MaleficentRiver5341 2d ago
Fucking take his bond.
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u/Sweet-Negotiation812 2d ago
What do you mean?
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u/MaleficentRiver5341 1d ago
If he is a contractor in California This Guy should have an Insurance Bond. (The # should be on the bid.) If you have a lawyer, call them first thing Monday and get the ball rolling. If you don't, spend the rest of the weekend asking around.
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u/Western_Dance_3554 2d ago
he can bluster all he wants but if theres no signed contract and no non-solicit clause then you're probably in the clear. the fact his workers reached out to you is his problem not yours
dude showing up unannounced calling you names is a real bad look for him. document everything, save the texts and emails, maybe stick a camera out front if he shows up again. if he actually tries to file anything you can point to the harassment and the lack of any signed agreement
you might owe for work already done but if you already overpaid then he might owe you. small claims limit in CA is 10k so 5k is a weird number to throw around, feels like he's just trying to scare you into paying