What to do about a dispute regarding a tree service?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do about a dispute regarding a tree service?
I obtained an estimate for cutting down three trees and piling them on the side of my yard. I specifically asked the tree company to call me when they would come over to cut the trees because I wanted to be there to ensure the work was done correctly. The company came 1 weekend when I wasn’t home. They cut down the 3 trees and left the wood (22 inch logs) right in the middle of my backyard. I refused to pay them until they either moved the wood to the side or hauled it away for an additional reasonable amount that I was ready to pay them. They refused to both. Can they take me to court, even though there is no signed contract? Can they have a collection agency come after me for the money without a contract?
Asked on December 14, 2012 under Business Law, New Jersey
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you solely have a written estimate and no contract with the tree service company as to the work desired to be done, then under the laws of all states in this country the written estimate that you relied upon controls the situation. If you get sued for the unpaid work you have a good defense that the company did not abide by its agreement. If demands for payment are made to you, I suggest that you consult with a consumer law attorney for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.