what kind of lawyer should i hire to help sue utility company that overcharges

by Jacky Thompson 3 min read

You would need to speak to a plaintiff's attorney. However, you would also have to consider what type of damages you would realistically receive. If you didn't incur any medical bills, had no emotional distress, and can't show that their negligence was severe enough to warrant punitive damages, then I doubt this would be a case worth pursuing.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a public utility lawsuit?

You would need to speak to a plaintiff's attorney. However, you would also have to consider what type of damages you would realistically receive. If you didn't incur any medical bills, had no emotional distress, and can't show that their negligence was severe enough to warrant punitive damages, then I doubt this would be a case worth pursuing.

What does a utility compliance attorney do?

Dec 22, 2014 · You might get more traction with the Public Utility Commission. But to answer your question: you would want to talk to a trial attorney who takes plaintiff's cases. This is a general Q&A Forum for discussion purposes only. Anything read here should be considered marginal information at best.

Can a real estate lawyer help you sue a contractor?

If you have a legal issue involving a public utility, you should contact a government lawyer. An attorney near you who is experienced in government law can review your matter, and advise you how to proceed. The attorney can represent you at hearings and in court. Share Tweet Share Daniel Lebovic LegalMatch Legal Writer Original Author

How do I sue a lawyer for negligence?

The lawyers at Snell & Wilmer have served public utility clients since the formation of the firm 75 years ago. We currently advise clients (both utilities and their customers) in connection with a wide variety of matters including: Determination of utility rates. Litigation of service disputes, antitrust issues and appeals of agency decisions.

What is it called when you hire an attorney?

Finally, don't be confused by the terms "retainer" or "retainer agreement." Generally, these are not the same as having a lawyer "on retainer." When you “retain” a lawyer, that simply means that you are hiring them, and the money you paid to the attorney is known as “the retainer.” The agreement signed when someone ...Jan 4, 2022

Why do lawyers ignore you?

There's bad news your attorney doesn't want to deliver. If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.Mar 29, 2021

How do I know if my lawyer is good?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.Sep 18, 2014

How do I sue a general contractor in California?

What are the steps to suing a contractor in a California small claims court?Consider filing a complaint against a contractor before suing in small claims. Learn more here.Prepare and file the lawsuit. Learn more.Notify ("serve") the contractor you have sued. ... Prepare for and attend the small claims hearing.Apr 10, 2021

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

What do lawyers fear the most?

Some of lawyers' most common fears include: Feeling that their offices or cases are out of control. Changing familiar procedures. Looking foolish by asking certain questions.Nov 1, 2015

How long does it take for a lawyer to review a case?

Question: Why is it taking so long for your lawyer to make a decision whether to accept your case? Answer: It should rarely take more than 4-6 weeks for a malpractice lawyer to make a decision about your case.

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a contractor?

The moment you sign a contract with someone, you are in fact entering into a business agreement with them. Thus, the most common type of lawyer used to sue a contractor is a business law attorney.Feb 5, 2020

How small claims court works in California?

Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed. The person who files the claim is called the plaintiff.

How do I take legal action against a builder?

How to Handle Disputes with BuildersGive Them a Chance to Put Things Right. In dispute resolution, communication is always key to avoiding a lengthy and costly court case for both parties. ... Speak to Another Expert. ... Document Everything. ... Make an Official Complaint. ... Consider How You Paid. ... Go to Court.

What is public utility?

Public utilities are companies that are either owned by a municipality, or are privately owned. For privately owned public utilities, the private owners are the companies’ shareholders. Privately owned public utilities have a twin responsibility. They must satisfy shareholder concerns.

What is regulated utility?

A privately owned regulated utility is one that is owned by investors, or shareholders. The utility is given a near or total monopoly on providing service in a given area. For example, in Long Island, New York, there is only one railroad company providing passenger (as opposed to freight only) transportation.

What is the difference between regulated and unregulated utilities?

The main difference between regulated and unregulated utilities is that regula ted utilities, thorough monopoly, own an entire operation. For example, an electricity public utility controls the energy infrastructure (grid), the electricity meters, and the power lines. Consumers must use the services of the monopoly regulated utility, ...

What is the law of good faith?

This obligation to act in good faith is something the law implies, or “reads into,” the service contract between the utility and the customer. Acting in good faith and dealing fairly requires public utilities to respond to customer complaints, questions about bills, and to make terms of service clear.

Our Practice

The lawyers at Snell & Wilmer have served public utility clients since the formation of the firm 75 years ago. We currently advise clients (both utilities and their customers) in connection with a wide variety of matters including:

Our Attorneys

Our Public Utilities lawyers are well-versed in issues affecting all our utilities clients, whether they provide electricity, gas, water and wastewater, or communications services, both wireline and wireless.

What is breach of contract?

Breach of Contract Claim: Breach of contract refers to one party failing to follow through with their side of a contract. This may occur when the party has not delivered on their claims within an appropriate time frame, or when one party fails to perform at all. A contractor may found liable for breach of contract if they miss deadlines, do not begin the project, partially complete the project, or fail to utilize construction materials that were previously agreed upon in the contract. There are four main types of breach under the breach of contract umbrella: 1 Minor Breach: This occurs when a party fails to perform part of the contract, but does not violate the entire contract. This is sometimes referred to as an impartial breach; 2 Material Breach: This occurs when a breach is so substantial that it impairs the contract as a whole. In addition, the core purpose of the agreement must be rendered completely defeated by the breach. This is sometimes referred to as a total breach; 3 Fundamental Breach: This is essentially the same as a material breach. However, a fundamental breach is considered to be much more egregious than a material breach; or 4 Anticipatory Breach: An anticipatory breach is a breach that occurs when one party notifies the other that they will not be able to fulfill the terms of their contract. Anticipatory breach may also be referred to as anticipatory repudiation.

What are the different types of breach of contract?

There are four main types of breach under the breach of contract umbrella: Minor Breach: This occurs when a party fails to perform part of the contract, but does not violate the entire contract. This is sometimes referred to as an impartial breach;

What is contract fraud?

Fraud Claim: contract fraud occurs when one party knowingly makes a false claim, intending to trick or deceive the other party into signing the contract. A homeowner may sue a contractor for fraud if they told the homeowner that the completed project would look one way, but the result is vastly different.

Can you sue a contractor for breach of contract?

As can be seen, suing a contractor typically requires that you first prove there was a breach of contract, or at a minimum an agreement for services to be performed. Regardless of whether you have a written contract or not, suing a contractor is often a complicated and lengthy process. This is especially true since state laws vary.

What is a contract for a contractor?

When hiring a contractor, such as for home repairs, most homeowners and contractors sign a legal contract that specifies the terms of the arrangement. This includes the work that is to be completed, the amount that is to be paid for the work completed, and a time frame that sets a deadline for the when is to be completed.

Can a breach of contract claim be recovered?

Breach of contract claims generally allow a homeowner to recover damages such as a refund of payments made to the contractor. Alternatively, they may be able to refund the difference in costs for hiring a new contractor to complete the project.

What is a material breach?

Material Breach: This occurs when a breach is so substantial that it impairs the contract as a whole. In addition, the core purpose of the agreement must be rendered completely defeated by the breach. This is sometimes referred to as a total breach; Fundamental Breach: This is essentially the same as a material breach.

What to do when you hire an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, you do so with trust and confidence. Most attorneys are upstanding and do a good job for their clients. Unfortunately, there are also some bad eggs out there. If your attorney has done something wrong, you may want to consider suing a lawyer for malpractice.

What do you need to show when suing an attorney for malpractice?

When suing an attorney for legal malpractice, you will need to show that the attorney did not use the ordinary amount of skill and care that most attorneys use in similar situations.

What are the types of malpractice?

Types of Attorney Malpractice 1 Negligence. To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy. Negligence happens when the attorney makes mistakes that other attorneys normally would not. 2 Breach of duty. This kind of malpractice happens when the lawyer violates his or her responsibilities to you by settling the case without your approval, not preparing the case for trial, lying to you, abandoning your case, misusing funds you provided for court costs, or misusing funds owed to you (such as a settlement amount). The attorney has not done what other attorneys would do in this type of case. 3 Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

Can an attorney be disbarred?

The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation. If you are disputing a fee with your lawyer, the state also likely has a fee dispute committee that can help you obtain an out-of-court resolution. You can hire another attorney to complete or fix your case and obtain the outcome you need.

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

Can you sue a lawyer for negligence?

To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy.

2 attorney answers

Probably not. However, there is a non-profit organization called Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) that might be able to help you with your water bill dispute. See \http://www.ucan.org/forum/forums/water_and_sewer/water_bill_disputes#N#More

Frank Wei-Hong Chen

Probably not. However, there is a non-profit organization called Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) that might be able to help you with your water bill dispute. See \http://www.ucan.org/forum/forums/water_and_sewer/water_bill_disputes#N#More

Who can consult with constitutional lawyers?

People with advocacies can consult constitutional lawyers if they think their rights have been violated. For instance, non-profit organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) employ constitutional lawyers to protect minorities involved in a legal process.

What is a business lawyer?

Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers are legal eagles who cover a more full range of expertise in building, managing, maintaining, transferring and dissolving a business. Lawyers in this area of practice deal with the formation of the company, employment contracts, tax compliance, acquisitions, and mergers.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is IP law?

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected ...

What is an intellectual property lawyer?

Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected from copycats and duplicates. If you've created an art design, a unique product, a novel, a song or a computer program, you can consult with an intellectual property lawyer for securing copyright, patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

This lawyer is an expert in tort law, which deals with civil legal liabilities and damages.

What to do if you don't understand a bill?

Once you've found a billing problem -- or even if you simply don't understand the bill -- you'll need to contact the company. Many bills include a statement explaining how to do this. Examine the bill to see whether it contains such a statement.

What is processing charge?

Processing charges are nothing more than an effort to bill you for the cost of billing you -- a cost which used to be calculated into the price of a product or service. And many bill processing charges bear little or no relationship to the actual cost of preparing and mailing the bill.

Where is the Federal Reserve headquarters?

Or you can write to the headquarters in Washington: 6th & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20580. Federal Reserve System -- For general problems concerning banking matters, contact the Division of Consumer & Community Affairs, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C. 20551.

What Are Some Legal Claims That Can Be Filed Against A Contractor?

Can You Sue A Contractor Without A Contract?

  • To reiterate, it is important for both parties to put any agreements made to perform work into a written contract. However, if there was no written contract for services expected or rendered, you may still sue or be sued by a contractor. The reason that you can still sue a contractor without a written contract is because you could argue that an implied or oral contract was formed. An exa…
See more on legalmatch.com

How Do I Sue For Breach of Contract?

  • Prior to filing a breach of contractclaim, it is imperative to review the contract for any clauses stating whether a lawsuit may be brought. An example of this would be how the contract terms may only allow the parties to enter into mediation or arbitration in order to resolve an issue. There also may be a time limit in place or a specific procedure that the parties must follow before they …
See more on legalmatch.com

Do I Need An Attorney For Suing A Contractor?

  • If you wish to sue your contractor, such as for a breach of contract, you should consult with an area real estate attorney. An experienced and local real estate lawyer can inform you of your legal rights and options according to your state’s specific laws regarding the matter. Additionally, your real estate lawyer will also be able to represent you...
See more on legalmatch.com