Posted by LarryTN on 3/2/08 10:59am
Msg #237818
Does anyone have any idea
whether we could possible pool our information on these companies that deliberately refuse to pay us, and file a class action against them? I talking about companies that have a record and a reputation of hiring notaries, knowing in advance that they are not going to pay...
Just thought I'd toss that out since it seems like most of us (myself included) have been stiffed by some of the companies we have worked for. how about some input from some of our legal eagles on this board...
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Reply by ZeeCA on 3/2/08 11:17am
Msg #237819
please use the orange search button b4 u post thx n/m
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Reply by ME/NJ on 3/2/08 11:22am
Msg #237820
Who wins in a class action (not us)
The only one to win would be the lawyer handling the case, if you got 10 cents on the dollar on a settlement that would be alot. Most of these companies are small and would fold up before the case got to trial or mediation.
You need to follow up on your state laws, I am willing to give up payment over criminal charges anyday. NJ you can do one or the other file small claims court for money or TOS for criminal can't do both.
Theft of Service is a serious crime in NJ. When that certified letter goes out with a drop dead date I have had 100% payment on or before the filing date.
Like I said check your state laws and what choices you may have.
Over the years I only needed to use the TOS letter 5 times.
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Reply by CaliNotary on 3/2/08 12:26pm
Msg #237823
I just received a settlement check from a class action suit
A suit was filed against a credit card that I had years ago. I got a check about 2 weeks ago. $11.61. I remember getting a check for some other class action suit a long time ago, I think it was the one filed against the music industry, that one was about $15. I recently received a letter giving me the chance to opt out of a class action suit against my car insurance company. Of course I didn't, so it looks like I'll be getting another 10 or 15 bucks in a couple of years, woo hoo!
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Reply by LarryTN on 3/2/08 1:44pm
Msg #237825
Re: I just received a settlement check from a class action suit
I appreciate your feedback, and I guess the pursuit would probably be fruitless, but I thought I wouldl throw it out there just to get some input.
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Reply by ZeeCA on 3/2/08 1:59pm
Msg #237826
this has been asked repeatedly... use the search button to
read all of it and all the comments
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Reply by Elaine Sedlock on 3/2/08 9:43pm
Msg #237840
That's why I didn't bother w/1 against my life ins. co.! n/m
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Reply by CJ on 3/3/08 12:23am
Msg #237849
Instead of a class action lawsuit . . .
It is possible that companies that consistantly don't pay, that they are committing a crime? Some kind of scam? Can a criminal action be brought against them? Just wondering.
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Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/3/08 3:51pm
Msg #237928
On the other hand. . .
my family received $100,000 for settling a class action suit against companies who didn't screen their blood products after tests were available following the AIDS contaminations in the 80s. If the cause is universal enough, the justice is there. . .usually. . .
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Reply by Art_MD on 3/3/08 8:09am
Msg #237860
Re: class action lawsuits real numbers
Recently received a check in connection with asbestos class action lawsuit.
Filed amount $20,000
Lawsuit settled.
Payout $600.00
After nexis fees, file fees etc $450.
After lawyer cut -- $300
Net - 1 1/2% of what was filed for!!!!!
THEN.... got a bill for $3.19 - he overpaid by that amount and wants it back. He even sent a certified letter demanding his $3.19.
No wonder he can own a pro sports team!!!!
Art
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Reply by jba/fl on 3/3/08 8:23am
Msg #237861
Enquiring minds want to know: did you remit $3.19? Nooooo n/m
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Reply by Art_MD on 3/3/08 8:25am
Msg #237862
Re: did you remit $3.19? Yes -
Not worth the hassle - phone calls, letters, etc
Art
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Reply by WDMD on 3/3/08 8:43am
Msg #237864
Re: did you remit $3.19? Yes -
You didn't think Mr. Angelos was going to let you off that easy did you Art?
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Reply by Art_MD on 3/3/08 8:45am
Msg #237865
Re: did you remit $3.19? Yes -
He has to pay those salaries somehow....
Art
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Reply by jba/fl on 3/3/08 9:09am
Msg #237866
Re: did you remit $3.19? Yes -
It is somehow gratifying to see that it costs more to collect than to write off - perversely I guess...
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Reply by CJ on 3/3/08 10:43am
Msg #237876
What about Criminal Action?
We get it: class action is a lot of trouble and expense, with no payout at the end. But I am more upset at the few companies that consistantly get away with hiring and not paying. We experienced folks know not to take jobs from them, but with a constant fresh supply of newbies to prey on, they stay in business. Is there any way that a criminal action can be brought against them to put people like this out of business for good?
We know that many SS have folded. It is true that they stiffed everyone as they closed their doors, but for many years they gave us work and paid as long as they could. But some companies are still in business, and I suspect the reason that they can make their overhead is that they just don't pay anyone. Is there a crime in here somewhere? If we can let the criminal system spend their time and money, that would be better for us than a class action lawsuit.
What do you think?
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Reply by CaliNotary on 3/3/08 11:54am
Msg #237887
There are deadbeats in every industry
We're not dealing with anything that any other business owner doesn't have to deal with.
You know how you deal with it? You price your services to account for the occasional bad debt, you don't waste your time on lawsuits and criminal complaints over a couple of hundred bucks. And you make educated decisions on which signings to accept and which ones to turn down. Most people who have been stiffed could have easily avoided it if they just did a search on this board before the signing.
It's business, you have to think with your wallet, not with your emotions. Do what's best for your bottom line, and with the small amounts of money we're usually dealing with, that means not throwing good money after bad.
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