Soddy Daisy, TN asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Employment Law and Contracts for Tennessee

Q: Can I take legal action as an independent contractor against a company that didn't pay me even without a formal contract

Hi! Im an independent contractor working in the audio engineering field. Back in November, the company managing production for a local venue asked one of their regular independents for recommendations for more people to bring in and I was asked to come in for one day. After completing the gig, the head of the production company told me through text message that he "needed to get [me] paid" and asked me to send over a W9 form (which I did). It's now been over 2 months with no paycheck and he refuses to respond to me asking about payment status. I never signed a contract, but do have the texts as proof that he intended to pay me. It's worth mentioning that the other guy who recommended me also doesn't have a contract but has never had any issues getting paid as I have. Is there anything I can do to get the money I've already worked for?

1 Lawyer Answer
Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
Answered
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: If The company asked you to do the work -and you did the work- you should be entitled to be paid. The fact there is not a writing shouldn't prevent you from making a claim.

You may want to formally write them sending an invoice for your services - and if that doesn't work you may want to have a lawyer write a letter for you.

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