[IN] [IN] Can we sue over damaged/disposed property?
This is a long story. My mom’s boyfriend offered to pay for a bunch of remodeling. He sent his chosen guy $55k upfront. That crew tore down our old shed before the new one was finished, tossed a lot of our belongings despite clear instructions, and removed all the garage shelving. When we complained that the worker wasn’t listening and we were having to fix his mistakes, the boyfriend got offended, said we were ungrateful, canceled everything, got his money back from the worker, and left our stuff in the yard and our living room a mess (since the shelving is gone). The worker—who had been told not to come back or speak to me—entered our garage anyway and “returned” some things I’d said he took. The shed company called saying the order was canceled and asked if we wanted to buy it ourselves—we can’t afford it. The boyfriend also bought my mom a car and bought me a car, saying we owed nothing. He told me he’d pay the insurance by giving my mom the money. I’m on medical leave with no income; he knew that. He told me to give my old car away for free, which I did. He also sent me $10k, told me to spend it on myself, get my hair done, new clothes—while constantly criticizing me. We want to sue the boyfriend (and possibly the worker) for what he promised and started. There’s a money trail, texts, pictures, and witnesses. What can we sue for and how do we start? I’ll answer any questions.
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Even without a written contract, your facts can support claims based on an oral contract, promissory estoppel, and unjust enrichment (Jarboe v. Landmark (Ind. 1994)). The worker may also be liable for conversion (discarding property) and trespass to chattels (Ind. Code § 34-24-3-1). Consider negligent misrepresentation or IIED if the conduct was manipulative. Gather texts, photos, transfers, and witness statements. Send a demand letter, then file in small claims if under the limit or in civil court if above.
The same framework applies in Indiana. For local representation, use the ABA Lawyer Referral Service.
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This is a long story. My mom’s boyfriend offered to pay for a bunch of remodeling. He sent his chosen guy $55k upfront. That crew tore down our old shed before the new one was finished, tossed a lot of our belongings despite clear instructions, and removed all the garage shelving. When we complained that the worker wasn’t listening and we were having to fix his mistakes, the boyfriend got offended, said we were ungrateful, canceled everything, got his money back from the worker, and left our stuff in the yard and our living room a mess (since the shelving is gone). The worker—who had been told not to come back or speak to me—entered our garage anyway and “returned” some things I’d said he took. The shed company called saying the order was canceled and asked if we wanted to buy it ourselves—we can’t afford it. The boyfriend also bought my mom a car and bought me a car, saying we owed nothing. He told me he’d pay the insurance by giving my mom the money. I’m on medical leave with no income; he knew that. He told me to give my old car away for free, which I did. He also sent me $10k, told me to spend it on myself, get my hair done, new clothes—while constantly criticizing me. We want to sue the boyfriend (and possibly the worker) for what he promised and started. There’s a money trail, texts, pictures, and witnesses. What can we sue for and how do we start? I’ll answer any questions.
Have you documented all interactions, agreements, and damages?
Yes. But the actual agreement was verbal—no written contract.
Have you consulted a lawyer yet?
I thought that’s why I contacted you?
Anything else the lawyer should know?
Yes.
Good afternoon and welcome. Please give me a moment to review.
Thanks. I live in Indiana.
Even without a written contract, your facts can support claims based on an oral contract, promissory estoppel, and unjust enrichment (Jarboe v. Landmark (Ind. 1994)). The worker may also be liable for conversion (discarding property) and trespass to chattels (Ind. Code § 34-24-3-1). Consider negligent misrepresentation or IIED if the conduct was manipulative. Gather texts, photos, transfers, and witness statements. Send a demand letter, then file in small claims if under the limit or in civil court if above.
The same framework applies in Indiana. For local representation, use the ABA Lawyer Referral Service.
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