Is it advisable for a contractor to sue a company that doesn’t pay?
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Is it advisable for a contractor to sue a company that doesn’t pay?
I am an 18 year old independent videographer who did a 4 hour filming for a
company. I have sent email invoices and a hard copy invoicemailed certified and
return receipt but have not gotten compensated nor will the company respond to
any of my correspondence. I am not sure what to do. The amount is only $150.
Asked on March 27, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Legally, suing is the only way to get your money: if you were a contractor, the department of labor will not help you (they only help employees). For $150, the only way that is even remotely cost-effecive is small claims court, as your own attorney ("pro se"). You'll have to pay a filing fee (usually around $50) but should get it back if you win; and if you can show you did the work but were not paid, you should win.
Is it advisable? Assume you will spend a day on this at least (possibly more, if the courts are backed-up with cases and cannot get to your case the day it is originally scheduled). Is a day of your time worth $150? That's the practical issue.
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