Legal Issues

**Cruzscarwash** · 09-28-2017, 10:51 AM

I use a generic inspection sheet I made up that they sign on pick up just in case this happens and I take pictures 10 minimum of before and after

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**DETAILROOKIE** · 09-28-2017, 11:06 AM

If you offered to help him and fix it, then that should be it. The fact that he is threatening to sue you after you already offered to help him fix it means that his wife found out and is pissed so he is trying to recoup some money!

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**custmsprty** · 09-28-2017, 11:28 AM

I wouldn't fix or offer to fix it, you didn't do it. It'll cost him more to file a case even in small claims court. Just don't send him any texts or leave vmails that can be used against you in a court of law.

**fightnews** · 09-28-2017, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Compulsive Detail

Hey guys just had a question here, has anyone been served into small claims court over damages that happened after the fact, I detailed a guy gt500 buffed and what not. Was a cash transaction no invoice no contract nothing. Four days later he text me saying a vinyl stripe was messed up near the cowl. I offered to take a look at it even thought i knew i did not have the buffer anywhere near it. Offered to help him out and fix it when i wasnt busy hes not thretening to sue me in small claims for $1000 or settle out of court for $300. Any Advice? I see it as he looked over his property when i released it thanked me and was very happy with the work done....the car even won best in show.....4 days later tells me he sees a small almost hairline split in the vinyl.

Tell him see you in court sounds like a shakedown. Talking about settling out when there's not even a case yet. Tell him you are counter suing for defamation and emotional damages.

**ducksfan** · 09-28-2017, 11:48 AM

Yeah, just let it lie. Probably 90+ percent of the people who say they're going to take someone to court, don't.

Oh and I would document in a dedicated notebook everything that has happened to this point and any contact he has with you in the future. I would also record any conversations you have (notifying him your doing so if your state law requires.).

One more thing. The primary thing a judge is looking for if you ever end up there is lies. Don't get caught in a lie; take the opportunity to walk the other guy into one.

**LEDetailing** · 09-28-2017, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by DetailKitty

I like this. But if you do say you detailed it, I would state that the customer looked the car over at delivery and had no complaints. You cannot say what happened in the 4-6 days after delivery when it was out of your possession and back with the owner.

this is what I would do.

**detailsbydennis** · 09-28-2017, 01:27 PM

Could the damage come from the wiper arm being pulled up to clean under the blade. It’s pretty tight between the cowl and rear hood edge.

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**JeffW** · 09-28-2017, 03:25 PM

Judge Judy. You could probably get a bunch of us rowdy autogeek'rs to attend and show support for ya. We can heckle the other guy.

**trashmanssd** · 09-28-2017, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by detailsbydennis

Could the damage come from the wiper arm being pulled up to clean under the blade. It’s pretty tight between the cowl and rear hood edge.

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Hood opened with wiper arms up?

**DaveT435** · 09-28-2017, 05:58 PM

Paid cash, no receipt. I would say "who are you, and what are you talking about? I've never seen you before in my life. lol

Seriously, if offered to fix it let him try to sue. If he ever went through with it I would think it would be obvious to a jury, and I would request a jury, that the guy is just trying to get something for nothing.