Ellicott City, MD asked in Consumer Law for Maryland

Q: Just found out that my contractor is unlicensed and has made a mess. Fired him and hired licensed contractor.

Unlicensed contractor owes me thousands and I believe stole money and medication from me

Also claimed to be licensed and insured!!!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: If this was a home improvement project (construction work/remodel on your residence) then file a complaint with the MHIC. You cannot get any money from them, but they will bring criminal charges against the unlicensed contractor, and the judge in the criminal case can order monetary restitution for actual financial losses you can prove as part of the sentence. You can file theft charges if you can prove he stole your medication. You can sue him civilly if you think he has assets you can locate in order to attach in the event you are awarded a judgment. Legal fees incurred in pursuing civil damages in court will not be small, so weighing the attorney fees you will incur chasing a monetary judgment you may be unable to collect will be an important consideration before embarkng on that course of action. While I understand you were lied to, and a victim of this fraudulent unlicensed contractor, the license status of every contractor in the state is easily confirmed on the MHIC website. It's a dangerous and unforgiving world out there, and consumers need to be vigilant. This is a hard lesson to learn, but next time I am sure you will confirm the license status (as you appear to have already done). That does not guarantee a problem-free experience, but when you hire an MHIC-licensed contractor and things go south, there is a Guaranty Fund claim available to seek up to $20,000 to reimburse any financial losses for a poor job.

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