Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

How do I make them pay?

I was doing computer repair work for a company out of N. California that has contracts with a few companies for these services. I have not been paid for over two months and stopped doing work for them about a month ago. I have spoken to one of the companies that they get jobs from and was told that they have been paid. I have spoken to 6 other technicians that work for this company and found that we are all in the same boat. The company is notorious for slow payment (up to six months). The company has money as I have spoken with a personal friend of the owner. Is there any way to bring these other companies into a lawsuit with the company I did work for? Can we all sue them? If it is possible to sue all of the companies involved, I am sure that we would receive payment as the first company would not want to loose the contracts they have.


Asked on 8/29/03, 6:28 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Donald Holben Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC

Re: How do I make them pay?

You have various options. Labor Board would accept a complaint of this kind if...you are or were an employee. Certainly several individuals can join into a suit against the same defendant/s as individual plaintiffs. Please call to discuss 800-685-6950

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Answered on 9/02/03, 12:10 pm
Dieter Zacher Law Offices of Dieter Zacher

Re: How do I make them pay?

Not entirely clear on who you contracted with. Anyhow, if you contracted with all the companies to perform the work for the benefit of the other company, then, you can go after all the companies. But, if your contract is only with the main company, then, you can only take them to court. Depending on the amount of the services, it will determine whether you should go to small claims or civil court. Small claims allows a maximum of $5000. You can contact the local courthouse to obtain forms and information on filing small claims. If more, then, please consult a local attorney to assist you. Good luck and thanks for inquiring.

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Answered on 8/29/03, 6:41 pm
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: How do I make them pay?

Of course, you can sue the company you have privy with, that is the company you looked to for payment. You have no privity with the company they were doing the work for, but you can threaten to bring them in as witnesses as, I assume, they were satisfied with your work. You can all, of course, bring your actions together, at the same time.

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Answered on 8/29/03, 6:42 pm


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