An incredibly unreasonable and disgruntled customer came into the dry cleaners where my mother works and is demanding that they compensate h...

Question

An incredibly unreasonable and disgruntled customer came into the dry cleaners where my mother works and is demanding that they compensate her for ruining her daughters dress. My mother, the tailor for the business, had fitted/tailored a ball gown for the customer and the customer paid and left. She later returned, screaming that they ruined the dress by cutting it too short. The business owner and my mother asked to see the dress on her daughter, but she refused and demanded money for the dress. Of course, without any proof that the dress had indeed been "ruined" the owner and my mother declined any compensation. She became even more irate and began spouting racial slurs and ungraceful insults towards the both of them. Now she's threatening to sue the business (sent an informal affadavit). Is there any reasonable grounds for her winning this case?

Any sound advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

Anyone can sue for pretty much any reason, but it takes substantial proof for someone to prevail in a lawsuit. I would wait until you get served with a summons to appear in Court before you worry too much about it. Posting some signs in the business may also help cut down this type of behavior in the future. Feel free to get in touch if you want to have a more detailed conversation.

Mike

Answer

If she actually behaved the way you describe here, it suggests that she has bigger issues than her daughter's dress to be concerned about. The business has a right to be paid for its services. Who cares if she sues? It would be in the small claims court anyway and even if the business loses the suit what are the damages exactly? The cost of one dress. I would not be up at night worrying about this one.

All the best,

Frank

www.LanternLegal.com