Tags
feeling vulnerable, small claims case, small claims court, The People's Court, TV shows, vengeance
“That’s the thing about being a victim; you start to think it’ll happen to you on a regular basis. It’s living with the reality of your own vulnerability, and it sucks.” – Dennis Lehane, A Drink Before the War
You may remember the issues I had with my fridge and the repairman. http://atomic-temporary-33385295.wpcomstaging.com/2015/05/29/i-have-been-scammed-and-it-sucks/
After much thought I filed a small claims case against him. It is scheduled to be heard on November 19. I am still conflicted about filing the claim.
I want him to be accountable and tell him he cannot walk into someone’s home and take their money and not do the service that he was paid for, but someone mentioned to me that it was vengeful.
I respectfully disagreed. I am not vengeful. I am tired of feeling vulnerable every time I deal with any kind of repair people. I am not after the money, I have already decided that I am donating to charity should I win.
Is it vengeance?
“Part of me wants justice for this. Part of me wants to never cause harm to another.” Ken Scholes, Lamentation (my thoughts exactly)
But here is the funny part. The other day among my correspondence there was this letter from The People’s Court.
Click here to see the letter: Peoples Court
I have absolute zero interest in appearing on TV, much less fighting in court for laughs. It is just funny and a bit curious that they would think my case is that interesting for TV. What are their criteria?
What about you, would you want to appear on TV on a court case?
Stay tuned for the outcome, not on TV, but here 🙂
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx
Blessed with a Star on the Forehead 
I agree with you that the action you;ve taken is not vengeful. You are entitled either to the service you paid for or the money to purchase that service elsewhere. It’s the right thing to do and I’ll bet you’re not the first.
As for the People’s Court. I’ve seen Judge Judy and don’t consider anyone has gone there for a laugh. Personally I find her objectionable but she gets results. Perhaps not always the right ones but normal courts don’t either. My opinion is that it would be good to do the People’s Court because it would get your man on TV and allow people to see what he looks like and remember his name. Maybe you could make sure he has very little work in the future to dupe more people out of money. Als o the fact that you’d be guaranteed to get your money back of the judgement went your way is good.
In the UK if someone doesn’t pay up after a judgement is made against them, the plaintiff has to go back to court and ask for Court Bailiffs to go and collect it.
I hope everything works out for you.
Hugs
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I suspect he may not even show up as he knows he is wrong. I think that here also, even if I get the judgment in my favor the chances of seeing any money may be slim. I am basically doing it for the principal and to feel empowered.
Thank you so much and I will certainly report the result. Thank you for the hugs and sending some right back to you! Blessings! 🙂
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I hope you get justice. From my experiences. Wrong and right are not always given justice.Often it is ‘law; that interferes with justice.
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You are right, very good point! The outcome will not change the fact of the case: he took my money and didn’t provide a service. I may not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt but he is still a crook 🙂 Blessings! 🙂
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Of course it’s not vengeful….he takes money for doing a job and doesn’t do it. If he doesn’t offer compensation what else are you supposed to do? Leave him to take someone else to the cleaners?
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Exactly what I am thinking. I am hoping that this will perhaps make him think twice, but I seriously doubt it. Blessings! 🙂
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I agree with David. Getting this guy on TV would really affect his business! But in any event, do take him to court – you are exactly the type of victim the court was designed for!
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I cannot do TV, but I will make my case in court…we will see what the outcome maybe. I hate being a victim – I guess that is the motivation to do something about it! Blessings! 🙂
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It in not vengeful, in fact you are doing a public service because this time he did it to you, someone capable of recognising his actions but what if next time he decides to do the same to someone vulnerable, what if that person is elderly and he decides to scam them a few times and they have no one to stand up for them. You are making sure this man is known for what he is basically a scam artist and protecting others in your community from his greed
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Hi Paula. That is exactly the reason why I am doing it. That money is meaningless to me, but to someone with a fixed income it could mean food on the table. I feel I need to do my part. While I continue to struggle with it I will go through with it as it is a matter of principle right now. Thank you for commenting and being supportive! Blessings! 🙂
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