Company not paying independent contractor

I did consulting work for a company in Illinois who now has decided the work does not have enough "value" for them. The work was compiling a database of names and numbers for the company to prospect with. After submitting the work and then sending my invoices they have told me that they don't beleive that it took that much time and they don't see the value to the company. The sum is about $6300 broken up on three invoices. My question is can I sue in Santa Barbara small claims or do I need to file in Illinois? Two of the invoices are below $2500 and one is $2900. Thanks!

1 answer  |  asked Sep 15, 2004 1:11 PM [EST]  |  applies to California

Answers (1)

Janet M. Koehn
good luck

what you'll have to prove is that the illinois company impliedly consented to california jurisdiction when it contracted with you. this probably won't happen until after you have filed a small claims action, filed a default against them, and have to go to illinois to try to collect your judgment. you'll probably have to hire an attorney or a collection agency in illinois to help you collect.

you might have to rack this up to a learning experience. consult with a local attorney before you decide to file; it may be worth a few hundred dollars to get some good advice based on the particular facts of your case.

posted by Janet M. Koehn  |  Sep 15, 2004 1:25 PM [EST]

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