Lawyer

[SweetAterPie]

Could someone tell me approximately how much I would expect to pay for a 1/2 hour consultation?

I am really only needing their advice on handling a billing dispute for an unsolicited service rendered by my lawn service.

[netman]

I am not a lawyer but I would think that they cannot perform a service without your consent and then charge you for it.

For example… let’s say you take your car in for an oil change. Let’s also say that the auto shop notices your gas pump is leaking. The auto shop cannot change the leaking gas pump (although a good idea) without your consent.

I do know there are laws in Texas preventing the above. I had an auto shop perform work without my consent and I called them on it and they did not charge me for the work because it was done without my consent. Not sure if there are specific laws that apply to your situation (lawn work).

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

netman

[selot]

My attorney charges $250 an hour with a one hour minimum... So every time I go to see him it cost's me an hour with one of our top ladies.... Try not to go see him too often.

[SweetAterPie]

Netman funny that is virtually the exact analogy I used when contesting the charges. What I find ironic that each months statement would have an itemized listing of other services offered, and then at the end of season they just decided on their own to perform two leaf cleanups resulting in each being 3 times the previous services that were agreed upon.

Plus now they have tacked on past due charges actually doubling the original invoice.

[JackJumper]

Just tell them that you didn't request their service or agree to any service and your not going to pay it. They will probably drop it, because it is not worth it for them to pursue you. What are they going to present in court? Nothing. They have nothing. If either of you spend any more time on it with attorneys or court fees you would be losing money. How much is it 20, 30, 50 bucks? Not worth anyones time.

[netman]

Originally Posted by SweetAterPie

Netman funny that is virtually the exact analogy I used when contesting the charges. What I find ironic that each months statement would have an itemized listing of other services offered, and then at the end of season they just decided on their own to perform two leaf cleanups resulting in each being 3 times the previous services that were agreed upon.

Plus now they have tacked on past due charges actually doubling the original invoice.

Personally, the first thing I would do is fire their ass and tell the owner he is a douche bag!!!

The second thing I would do is call the local district attorney and report them.

Thirdly, I would tell them that you reported them to the local district attorney.

Last, but not least, I would take them to court for charging you without your consent.

As JackJumper said, they have NOTHING!!!

Businesses like these need to be shut down. I understand the the economy is tough, but taking advantage of people is simply unacceptable!!!

As I said before, please let us know how all of this works out.

netman

[Boltfan]

Have you actually spoken to someone and they said the charges stand? We continued to get lawn service for about a month after my wife told them to go ahead and stop for the winter. They kept mowing (funny, the grass was dormant and not growing) and were cleaning leaves when they did our neighbor. One day I caught the guy and kindly reminded him we discontinued service for the fall back on xx and we look forward to using them come the spring. He said no problem, I will do your leaves for free and thanks for your business.

Here is your advantage, there are hundreds of lawn engineers out there that need work. If they choose to be jerks just fire them and find someone else. Here very soon you will be getting offers from all those crews in your neighborhood to try them out. Unless your guy is an idiot he knows this full well.

You don't need an attorney.