What to do if I hired a contractor to install a bathtub liner and acrylic walls from a home improvement show but the dealer took my deposit and disappeared?
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What to do if I hired a contractor to install a bathtub liner and acrylic walls from a home improvement show but the dealer took my deposit and disappeared?
Can I sue the supplier of the acrylic materials since they provided the contractor with sales tools and show display?
Asked on October 26, 2012 under Business Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, you can't sue the supplier unless you can prove that they either collaborated in the theft/fraud, or at least had reason to think this contractor was untrustworthy but knowing of that, carelessly (negligently) supported him and thereby facilitated his act. This is because one party is not normally responsible for the criminal actions of a second party, unless you can show some fault on the part of the first party.
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