Do Real Estate Lawyers Handle This?

Question

Hello BP-Land,

We're thinking about filing a complaint against some plumbers that did some very shoddy work for us a few months ago, but we're not sure how to go about it. Is this something we should ask a real estate lawyer about?

Thanks!

Kathy O. · Answer

Dave NA

this happened in Indiana so I'll check small claims there--thanks!

Thanks again everybody for your responses (did I mention I love this site)  ;)

Kathy O. · Answer

@Jerry W.

We just found out about how bad the job is yesterday so it hasn't been redone yet--but we will keep that in mind about the plumber being a witness--thank you!

We inherited this house and we were renting it out for a couple of years--it's been empty since april.

When we were up there last week, we couldn't turn on the water for the water sprinkler, so my mom called the water company and the man from the water company told her about the bad plumbing job.

He said the plumbers didn't reconnect the pipes to the outside spigot when they replaced the pipes in the house and that the pipes they used were too small and that they overcharged us for the job. He also said they've been getting a lot of complaints about this particular company.

Jerry W. · Answer

If you can go small claims I would suggest it.  Usually the rules of evidence are relaxed so hearsay is allowed and you do not have to lay much foundation for getting evidence in.  if you can get 1 or 2 experienced plumbers to testify that the work was defective that will help a lot.  Pictures also can help a lot.  If you are the plaintiff you have the burden of proof, so you do not just your word against theirs.  The person who fixed it after the first plumber messed it up would be a good witness.

Ned Carey · Answer

Small claims court limits will vary by state.

Dave Toelkes · Answer

A real estate lawyer is probably not the best choice.  A civil law practice rather than a real estate practice is probably more suited to the lawsuit you are contemplating.  In my area of the country, if you are seeking a money judgment for up to $5000, small claims court is the venue.

Kathy O. · Answer

@Leigh C

lol!   okay--thanks!

Leigh C · Answer

BRAKE PEDAL!!!      Call a lawyer, too much for small claims court

Kathy O. · Answer

@Leigh C

it's just a little over 3000--I'll try small claims court--thank you!

Leigh C · Answer

small claims court is pretty easy, usually the clerks down there can point you in the right direction.       Less you are talking 1000s