I performed a construction job in Washington dc and the sub contractor never paid me according to the payment plan so I left the job
How can I proceed getting my payment
1 reply
Jun 21, 2018
The path to recovery is likely through a lawsuit (or potentially arbitration if there was an arbitration clause in the relevant contract).
In Washington D.C., mechanics liens are limited to those parties who contract with either the property owner or the prime contractor - so parties who contract with either sub-contractors of any tier or suppliers are not entitled to mechanics lien protection.
Depending on the amount due, the process may potentially be streamlined through filing in small claims court, which in Washington D.C. can be used for disputes up to $10,000. An individual may represent themselves in small claims court without the assistance of a lawyer to further streamline and reduce costs, but a company filing in small claims in Washington D.C. must have representation. If the amount at issue is greater than $10,000, a "regular" lawsuit must be filed. More information is available here: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/civil-matters/requesting-10k-or-less