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Attorney Fee Dispute — contractor left job incomplete

Started by newbie_creator_NY · Feb 12, 2026 · 1,179 views · 17 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
NC
newbie_creator_NY OP

I'm in a difficult situation and trying to figure out my next steps.

contractor left job incomplete. I've been dealing with this for about 3 months now and the situation isn't improving.

I have already consulted briefly with a lawyer but got conflicting advice.

What are my legal options here? Is it worth pursuing?

TA
TenantRights_Advocate

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up hiring an attorney to send the initial letter, which cost about $2-4 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

HC
HRManager_Chicago

I went through almost the exact same thing.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. I'd recommend being patient with the process instead.

AT
anon_trader_GA

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

TL
Mod_TermsLaw Moderator

I practice in this area. Here's my take on the legal issues.

Based on what you've described, you likely have a viable claim under the relevant statute. The standard is whether a reasonable person would find the conduct actionable.

I'd recommend documenting everything in writing from this point forward. Keep copies of all communications.

JC
just_curious_contractor_2026

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

NH
need_help_buyer_question

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

NH
need_help_buyer_CA

NAL, but from what I've read, you should check your state's specific laws. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

OD
OpenSourceLawyer_Dan

I went through almost the exact same thing.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is having everything documented. I'd recommend keeping a detailed timeline instead.

CT
CryptoTrader_2023

Been there. Here's what I learned.

What worked for me was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. It took 2-4 months but was worth it.

FP
frustrated_parent_2025

NAL, but from what I've read, you should send a written demand. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

CS
confused_seller_2026

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

NL
NursePractitioner_LA

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

In my case, it took about 2-4 months to resolve. The key was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter.

FK
FreelancerKate

I went through almost the exact same thing.

What worked for me was filing with the appropriate government agency. It took 4-8 months but was worth it.

DN
DataPrivacy_Nerd

I've dealt with this before.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. I'd recommend being patient with the process instead.

WP
worried_parent_IL

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

AR
anon_renter_help

NAL, but from what I've read, you should document everything. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

SB
SmallBizOwner_NYC

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 4-8 months to resolve. The key was filing with the appropriate government agency.

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