I had a 24 year old book a limo for a night out with friends and ended up wrecking our flat screen TV. Mom has refused to pay for damages but she ok'd the limo ride. She is disputing the charge for $1,900 for a new TV.Mastercard/Visa protects the cardholder because they dont pay for damages. We have a signed contract from the boy with mom's creditcard.
-- Sandra
A.
A 24 year old is obviously an adult and is responsible for his own actions. Mama may also be responsible if she signed the contract and/or personally guaranteed it in writing. However, it may not be enough to hold Mama liable simply because the son used her credit card. Sounds like the best thing you may be able to do is to go immediately to small claims court and sue the son. You may also be sue any one else who was in the limo who may have contributed to the damage. At the hearing, bring receipts, photographs of the destroyed T.V., statements from people who witnessed the damage or could testify as to the costs to replace it, witnesses to testify in your favor, and anything else that you think will help your case. Be prepared. (But keep in mind that even if you get a judgment in your favor, that doesn't mean you automatically get paid. The son could appeal or force you to try to garnish his wages or levy on a bank account. Hopefully, though, Mama would pony up at that point.)
If your contract has an attorneys' fees clause, a better approach would be to go hire an attorney. A threatening letter from an attorney may get this matter resolved for you.
