Property Damage by Minors

[Gerhardt]

This too.

Please tell me your kid worked and paid for this phone himself?

Trust me, both of my kids earn their keep. That's not to say they're not spoiled, but they help out on the lawn/landscaping crew several hour a week. They're meticulous in their work and work around 12 hours a week. More in the spring, less in the summer and fall. They bring in around $700/wk each and in return they get food, shelter, love, internet access, cell phone plan and $100/mo cash, and the promise their college will be paid for. They can spend their cash any way they want - I don't control that in any way, shape nor form. Now, I pay for the cell plan, but they bought their own phones. He's 14, she's 17, and they're incredibly frugal with their $ until there's something they want.

It's kinda funny, we'll be in the grocery store and they'll be tossing things in the cart. "Okay, but it comes out of your pay." And they pull it out of the cart so fast.

 

[James331]

Trust me, both of my kids earn their keep. That's not to say they're not spoiled, but they help out on the lawn/landscaping crew several hour a week. They're meticulous in their work and work around 12 hours a week. More in the spring, less in the summer and fall. They bring in around $700/wk each and in return they get food, shelter, love, internet access, cell phone plan and $100/mo cash, and the promise their college will be paid for. They can spend their cash any way they want - I don't control that in any way, shape nor form. Now, I pay for the cell plan, but they bought their own phones. He's 14, she's 17, and they're incredibly frugal with their $ until there's something they want.

It's kinda funny, we'll be in the grocery store and they'll be tossing things in the cart. "Okay, but it comes out of your pay." And they pull it out of the cart so fast.

Good on you for that

Still, I think having your kids stand up for selves, face their bully and fight their own fight is VERY important, having dad fight this fight may cause more damage to them than loosing their phone and some clothes.

 

[Henning]

Good on you for that

Still, I think having your kids stand up for selves, face their bully and fight their own fight is VERY important, having dad fight this fight may cause more damage to them than loosing their phone and some clothes.

Expecting kids to fight the adult system without training and example is unrealistic. Children are expected to take care of problems between children, to expect them to take on the school and contact the DA is something I would consider the parent's duty to do to set the example of how to go about it.

If the school will not forward the information on the perps, then the DA should be contacted to deal with it. The school is failing at this civics lesson, so it's the parents duty to the child to teach them how to do it, otherwise the parent is failing their child.

 

[Geico266]

Here's where we are now. The school is the only one who knows who did it at this point, and they're not talking. I called the police and they had the SRO call me back. She said the damage to the kids' clothes being put in the toilet isn't property damage since they can be washed. I asked if she would wear clothes again if they had been put in the toilet, and she wouldn't respond. She did say that the damage to the phone would be enough to file a police report, but that any copy given to me would have the kids' names blacked out to protect their privacy.

As far as filing a claim with the school, they require parents to sign a liability waiver to participate in the marching band, so that's off the table.


A secretary gave me almost all the info. I have. The principal would give me NO information whatsoever, and was rather hostile. It was the secretary who told me that they didn't lock the doors, which violates their procedures and is to be corrected, and that the coach rushed them and has been lectured to not let that happen again.

A signed waiver is worthless when "reasonable care" is not taken. "Reasonable care" was not taken by the coach when he left the doors unlocked.

I've contemplated having my kids find out who it was by word of mouth and taking them to small claims court. But in court I'd have to have proof - and I have none...the school and police have it all and they're not sharing.

Don't discount this so quickly. Even in small claims court you can subpoena the school records, video, and police report to get the names. You can depose the principle, SRO, secretary, and perp. You get to question the witness under oath. Usually, they are not going to lie when they know their names are on the police report. The school system will cooperate when a subpoena is slapped on them. Write a letter to the school board ASAP to file a claim and demand the information.

One bright side was that the SRO said that she would talk w/ the principal (who wouldn't take her call at 3:30 this afternoon) tomorrow and ask for permission to talk w/ the kids' parents. She would tell them that criminal charges would not be filed if they reimbursed me for the phone. I'm not sure why she needs the school's permission, but she says that she does.

Push this! This is your quickest way to resolve this issue. They should have home owners insurance that might cover the damage. They are financially responsible for their kids actions.

As for my son taking matters into his own hands, not going to happen. You'd have to know him. He's incredibly timid and would be mortified if he knew I'd even talked with the principal about this.

It's not a huge deal, but it is $100 in clothes and a $600 iphone, nothing I'm willing to just throw away without at least some effort.

This might be a goods lesson to teach your son. Don't back down, and stick up for your self.

And hiring attorney would be fruitless since his time would cost more than we would stand any hope of recovering.

Agreed. Do not use an attorney.

Never give up, never let the bastards win. Ever.

 

[Ravioli]

Having "disciplined" the "prankster(s)" is in itself an admission of wrong doing.

Send a nice little letter to the Principal and the School Board indicating your need for restitution. Get the boys in the band together, certainly you aren't the only fool giving $600 phones to teenage boys. (different matter)

Principal thinks he's got it handled? Great. 600 x (~100 piece band * ~45% male * ~20% iPhone enabled) = ~$5,500. He can handle the check too.

The easy part is that school has admitted something happened. They gave someone some extra reading time (detention). They should also fix the rest of the issue.

Failing all the reasonable responses, next time the band is in the locker room have a little "prank" where you pour bleach through funnels into every locker. should wipe out a lot of clothes, probably nail some phones with run-off... and, after all, it's just kids....

 

[wsuffa]

Here's where we are now. The school is the only one who knows who did it at this point, and they're not talking. I called the police and they had the SRO call me back. She said the damage to the kids' clothes being put in the toilet isn't property damage since they can be washed. I asked if she would wear clothes again if they had been put in the toilet, and she wouldn't respond. She did say that the damage to the phone would be enough to file a police report, but that any copy given to me would have the kids' names blacked out to protect their privacy.

As far as filing a claim with the school, they require parents to sign a liability waiver to participate in the marching band, so that's off the table.

A secretary gave me almost all the info. I have. The principal would give me NO information whatsoever, and was rather hostile. It was the secretary who told me that they didn't lock the doors, which violates their procedures and is to be corrected, and that the coach rushed them and has been lectured to not let that happen again.

I've contemplated having my kids find out who it was by word of mouth and taking them to small claims court. But in court I'd have to have proof - and I have none...the school and police have it all and they're not sharing.

One bright side was that the SRO said that she would talk w/ the principal (who wouldn't take her call at 3:30 this afternoon) tomorrow and ask for permission to talk w/ the kids' parents. She would tell them that criminal charges would not be filed if they reimbursed me for the phone. I'm not sure why she needs the school's permission, but she says that she does.

As for my son taking matters into his own hands, not going to happen. You'd have to know him. He's incredibly timid and would be mortified if he knew I'd even talked with the principal about this.

It's not a huge deal, but it is $100 in clothes and a $600 iphone, nothing I'm willing to just throw away without at least some effort.

And hiring attorney would be fruitless since his time would cost more than we would stand any hope of recovering.

Go to the media. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. You're being stonewalled by the school.

...
As far as filing a claim with the school, they require parents to sign a liability waiver to participate in the marching band, so that's off the table.
...

No it's not. Liability waivers are about the most useless piece of legal mumbo jumbo out there.

They're kids, it's a cell phone. It happens. Thank GOD nobody wanted to press the issue on all the **** we pulled when I was in HS. This is minor by comparison... we just got even... with interest.

Read the liability waiver. I'll bet it doesn't cover intentional acts that cause damage or injury. You can bet your bottom dollar that if your kid damaged the school they'd be coming after you.

Make a call or send a letter to the school board or someone on the board. Put a date on when you expect a response.

Point out the facts as simply as you can. Your kid's stuff was vandalized, the school hasn't been cooperative, but you do understand that 1) They know who the perp's were and 2) They didn't follow procedures and lock the locker room when the band were out, so the school has some culpability.

Tell the board that you expect the school to either make good on the phone or to have the parents of the miscreants make good.

Most school boards have open sessions where the public can present. Do it. And get the local media involved - they love this kind of story, especially if it embarrasses the school and/or board. Have the media show up at the public session where you present, offer an interview afterward.

 

[PPC1052]

I'm probably not most people, but I'd ask my son what he plans on doing about it.

I like this answer.

Edit: Although on second read, I suppose it could be read as a suggestion to my child to settle the score with violence. That's not what I would want. I would just want to involve him in the process of seeking a remedy. But I also agree with Henning that fighting an adult bureaucracy on his own is a bit much to expect of most teenagers.

 

[PPC1052]

We would have called it a prank in my day, too. But kids didn't have $600 phones in my day because in my day, a $600 phone would have been cheap! I think the kids have changed a lot more than the pranks.

I don't disagree with the idea that this was done as a prank. But sometimes pranks are poorly executed and cause much more property damage than was intended or is acceptable. In those cases, the kids that pulled the prank have to make good, and they get to learn a valuable lesson. It's part of growing up.

I don't advocate hurting the kids, or seeking criminal sanctions. But they should have to pay cash to make the victim whole when it goes too far.

 

[N801BH]

A signed waiver is worthless when "reasonable care" is not taken. "Reasonable care" was not taken by the coach when he left the doors unlocked.


Don't discount this so quickly. Even in small claims court you can subpoena the school records, video, and police report to get the names. You can depose the principle, SRO, secretary, and perp. You get to question the witness under oath. Usually, they are not going to lie when they know their names are on the police report. The school system will cooperate when a subpoena is slapped on them. Write a letter to the school board ASAP to file a claim and demand the information.

Push this! This is your quickest way to resolve this issue. They should have home owners insurance that might cover the damage. They are financially responsible for their kids actions.

This might be a goods lesson to teach your son. Don't back down, and stick up for your self.

Agreed. Do not use an attorney.

Never give up, never let the bastards win. Ever.

+1...

Great advice.......

 

[tmyers]

We had a situation where our son dropped his phone in the parking lot at school. A student found it and used one of the phone numbers (mine) to send some questionable text messages about our son. Poor kid never realized that once he sent the text I had his phone number. Only had to call and get his name off of the greeting.

He did turn our sons phone in to the office. No crime was committed and it was only just a prank but the principle decided the young man should learn some principles and had a stern talk about the nature of the texts, then requested that the young man meet with me at his office. Since I was very involved in Marching Band activities I was pretty well known at this HS. The young man apologized profusely. I took a few minutes to explain how the messages could have been damaging had they went to someone else other than me but then ended the conversation with No Harm, No Foul. Told him to think a little harder next time and make the right decision.

I agree with some of the posts these students got off way to lightly and in the long run have learned nothing.

I would think that if a police report was filed the Police would have no choice but go investigate. If the principle continues to refuse to discuss it they would most likely go after him, since he has made himself an accessory.

 

[Matthew]

Giving the Principal the benefit of the doubt: my initial take - the Principal heard about it, asked about it, was probably told there were some pranksters that trashed some band members clothes. Principal checked, the stories seemed to match, school security figured out who did it. Principal checked with coach and band director to make sure the doors would be locked in the future, and used a "stern voice". Principal talked with the students involved, used a "stern voice", put a note in their files and sent them back to class.

Now, Principal is finding out about the real damages, is stuck, and knows it.

Enough damages were caused to raise the level pretty high. Because no school property seems to have been damaged, the Principal doesn't seem to want to get involved any more. The SRO said she'd contact the parents and tell them to pay restitution or it's going to become a criminal matter, I'd wait to see how that plays out.

Edit: and I'd really consider going over the head of the Principal. The school dropped the ball on this, and the Principal isn't cooperating. I know the privacy rules these days put school officials in a bind, but once the police get involved, things change. It's not good enough for the school to say "we took care of it", when the school isn't taking care of the damage that was caused and is preventing the people who lost property from being reimbursed.

 

[Mike Smith]

It really is just a prank, I agree with the principal on that. Where I disagree with the principal is on the punishment/accountability. When I was a kid, I participated in some dumb pranks, when I got caught, I had to PAY for my pranks. I learned what it cost both in money and in the harm it did to the prankee's. Those lessons stuck with me and have made me a better man. It was just a prank, but the kid absolutely needs to be held accountable and pay for it.

 

[Gerhardt]

update:

* No call from the SRO this morning so I called the administration office to file a claim. "Our deductible is $25,000, so it falls below that." "so?" "uhhh...well, they won't pay you." "okay, that's YOUR deductible, not mine. That's on you." "oh. uhhh....let me check on that and I'll call you back ASAP." That was 3 hours ago.

* The SRO just called back. She said that she's still trying to get ahold of the asst. principal, but the asst. principal is busy and not taking her calls. This is the same person who had already left school at 3:30 yesterday and wouldn't take her call then.


I like the idea of small claims court. I was skeptical of the idea to subpoena the video and police report but googled it and sure enough, it's possible. The problem I have is that in order to subpoena them I have to actually file, and I don't know the kids' names. I may just file in SCC against the school, more for fun than anything. That, of course, would make my wife livid since that would surely get local press attention and she's head of a girls youth organization and doesn't want to be associated publicly with anything negative.

 

[docmirror]

I told you, file against the school as an entity, and the band director as a person. You can add the principal by name if you want, but technically, he's not directly responsible for the loss, the guy who left the door unlocked is. And that's the band director.

the court wants to know who failed to maintain reasonable security. The school had a policy, and the policy was ignored, so the school is on the hook for not enforcing, and the band dir for failure to act by policy.

 

[tmyers]

Not to throw a wrench at things here but don't forget that your student may face retaliation from some of the others in school.

Could just make it a teaching moment for them since no one else seems to care about the ones that pulled the prank. If you want to bring it to a head park outside the principles office till he or she talks to you.

 

[docmirror]

Not to throw a wrench at things here but don't forget that your student may face retaliation from some of the others in school.

Then things get interesting. Now you really do have a bullying complaint. Schools will wake right the **** up when you use that word. Almost as good as the race card.

 

[Gerhardt]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I somewhere in the conversations, I forget where, someone hinted that the kids were from the other school. But just a couple of minutes ago my phone rang. It was the mother of one of the students. "I'm Alex's mom and I'm told that he ruined your son's cell phone and that if we pay you back you won't press charges. I'm on disability, but I'm willing to make payments on half of it, but you'll need to get the other half from the other kid."

Good grief. I'll make a small attempt to go after the school because I'm not going to see anything from the parents. Then I'll write this off and replace my son's phone for him. He didn't do anything wrong. He's a good kid and deserves a break.

 

[docmirror]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I somewhere in the conversations, I forget where, someone hinted that the kids were from the other school. But just a couple of minutes ago my phone rang. It was the mother of one of the students. "I'm Alex's mom and I'm told that he ruined your son's cell phone and that if we pay you back you won't press charges. I'm on disability, but I'm willing to make payments on half of it, but you'll need to get the other half from the other kid."
/

"Send Alex over to my house every Mon and Wed after school, he needs to help me clean my ________ and fix my ________. I think two weeks should take care of it. Thanks for reaching out, I don't want any money from you personally."

 

[JB1842]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I somewhere in the conversations, I forget where, someone hinted that the kids were from the other school. But just a couple of minutes ago my phone rang. It was the mother of one of the students. "I'm Alex's mom and I'm told that he ruined your son's cell phone and that if we pay you back you won't press charges. I'm on disability, but I'm willing to make payments on half of it, but you'll need to get the other half from the other kid."

Good grief. I'll make a small attempt to go after the school because I'm not going to see anything from the parents. Then I'll write this off and replace my son's phone for him. He didn't do anything wrong. He's a good kid and deserves a break.

Tell her to call you back when she has made the arrangements with the other kid to pay you in full, or see her in court.

 

[Henning]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I somewhere in the conversations, I forget where, someone hinted that the kids were from the other school. But just a couple of minutes ago my phone rang. It was the mother of one of the students. "I'm Alex's mom and I'm told that he ruined your son's cell phone and that if we pay you back you won't press charges. I'm on disability, but I'm willing to make payments on half of it, but you'll need to get the other half from the other kid."

Good grief. I'll make a small attempt to go after the school because I'm not going to see anything from the parents. Then I'll write this off and replace my son's phone for him. He didn't do anything wrong. He's a good kid and deserves a break.

Well, now that you know who the other kid is, and that the parent is in some financial difficulty, it presents you with another option. You say you have a landscaping business right? Sounds like the kid owes you 60 hours of work.

 

[172andyou]

What an odd world we live in where some people would suggest that the school is responsible for not locking the doors rather than the kids who actually committed the vandalism...

Good for the one Mom for stepping up even though her finances suck. I agree with the poster who suggested not taking the money, but having her kid work it off. Yeah, it's not money in your pocket, but it's a chance to make the kid responsible for his actions.

 

[Henning]

What an odd world we live in where people would suggest that the school is responsible for not locking the doors rather than the kids who actually committed the vandalism...

Well, that's where the leverage to get the school to cough up the vandal comes from. If the school wants to protect the kid, then they assume the liability of the kid's actions, simple as that.

 

[James331]

Not to throw a wrench at things here but don't forget that your student may face retaliation from some of the others in school.

Could just make it a teaching moment for them since no one else seems to care about the ones that pulled the prank. If you want to bring it to a head park outside the principles office till he or she talks to you.

That.

You're going to make your kids life a living hell for the rest of the time they are in that school, area.

"Hey better not talk to little Billy, his dad will sue you"

I'm sure the faculty of the school will be a huge fan of your kid too.

Tell you kid to stand up for himself, maybe he gets a black eye and gets suspended for a couple days, he'll have the respect of his peers, stuff won't be stolen again and we won't be completely ostracism by his peers and teachers.

YMMV, but I doubt it.

 

[Kelvin]

Kid was from another school.

That.

You're going to make your kids life a living hell for the rest of the time they are in that school, area.

"Hey better not talk to little Billy, his dad will sue you"

I'm sure the faculty of the school will be a huge fan of your kid too.

Tell you kid to stand up for himself, maybe he gets a black eye and gets suspended for a couple days, he'll have the respect of his peers, stuff won't be stolen again and we won't be completely ostracism by his peers and teachers.

YMMV, but I doubt it.

 

[Gerhardt]

Well, that's where the leverage to get the school to cough up the vandal comes from. If the school wants to protect the kid, then they assume the liability of the kid's actions, simple as that.

That's what I'm thinking. But more that the asst. principal is being a jerk more than anything.

You don't want the kid getting hurt on your property or while doing landscaping, etc. This isn't the 1950s.

Yeah, that's not gonna happen. One, if mom's on disability there's a 99% chance this kid's going to get injured somehow. But more than that, I don't need inexperienced people slowing me down. It would be more of a burden than a help.

That.

You're going to make your kids life a living hell for the rest of the time they are in that school, area.

"Hey better not talk to little Billy, his dad will sue you"

I'm sure the faculty of the school will be a huge fan of your kid too.

Tell you kid to stand up for himself, maybe he gets a black eye and gets suspended for a couple days, he'll have the respect of his peers, stuff won't be stolen again and we won't be completely ostracism by his peers and teachers.

YMMV, but I doubt it.

Holy crap. I'm not sure how to even respond to this. That's not the road I want him going down in life. He gets good grades, has good friends, doesn't get into trouble, enjoys the marching band....let him enjoy being a kid, not being a thug.

 

[Henning]

That's what I'm thinking. But more that the asst. principal is being a jerk more than anything.




Yeah, that's not gonna happen. One, if mom's on disability there's a 99% chance this kid's going to get injured somehow. But more than that, I don't need inexperienced people slowing me down. It would be more of a burden than a help.

Washing/cleaning equipment isn't too dangerous, you never know, you might help a kid out.

 

[DJTorrente]

I like the idea of small claims court. I was skeptical of the idea to subpoena the video and police report but googled it and sure enough, it's possible. The problem I have is that in order to subpoena them I have to actually file, and I don't know the kids' names. I may just file in SCC against the school, more for fun than anything. That, of course, would make my wife livid since that would surely get local press attention and she's head of a girls youth organization and doesn't want to be associated publicly with anything negative.

File against the school district, its employees who are acting as co-conspirators covering up for the perps -- individually in their personal capacity you want to get a judgment executable against any one of them, which you can then file with the credit bureaus when you don't get paid. When they can't get 0% financing on their next big screen TV, they'll remember it; and name the perps as "John/Jane Does 1-10". You can amend the complaint later once their names become known.

 

[bradg33]

File against the school district, its employees who are acting as co-conspirators covering up for the perps -- individually in their personal capacity you want to get a judgment executable against any one of them, which you can then file with the credit bureaus when you don't get paid. When they can't get 0% financing on their next big screen TV, they'll remember it; and name the perps as "John/Jane Does 1-10". You can amend the complaint later once their names become known.

This is generally the correct way to do it, depending on local procedure. File a complaint/petition naming the school and John Does 1-10. Personally, I'd be careful naming the administrators personally, that can get a little dicier.

Once filed, issue discovery requests to the school seeking its records regarding the incident, including any video, and issue a subpoena to the police department seeking the unredacted police report. But, you'll need to review your small claims court rules, as expansive discovery (including, possibly, subpoenas) isn't always available in small claims court. You'll do much better if you can find an attorney "friend" to help guide you through the process (though not officially represent you).

 

[Anthony]

"Hang them up by their Buster Browns!" Murray Hamilton in "Jaws".

 

[Gerhardt]

I received a call from the SRO saying that she had contacted both parents and passed along my information. A few minutes later the first parent called. Very stern, and said she's on disability and can pay for half the phone, but only if I take monthly payments for 18 months. She just left a bad impression.

Then the dad of the second kid called. I bet he apologized ten times during the call, and each time thanked me for not pressing charges. He said he was sorry it took so long but he was at work and had to wait until his break. He said it would take him 2 weeks, when he gets paid again, but he'd have the cash for me if I could wait that long. Then he was telling me how his son is a good kid and it was out of character for him and I can be assured something like that will never happen again. "Oh man, I'm rambling. I'm sorry, I know you're busy." I felt bad for the guy.

I'm just glad to put this behind me.

 

[dans2992]

It's amazing how many people are (apparently) living paycheck to paycheck.


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[Matthew]

I hope it's behind you.

My guess: The payments from #1 will continue 2-3 months. #2 sounds good for it. Something to consider - either one might want something in writing saying it's over as soon as they pay. I don't know what to do about that.

 

[DJTorrente]

It's amazing how many people are (apparently) living paycheck to paycheck.

If the one Mom was really living on disability, payment probably wouldn't be a realistic option. Either she has off the books money coming in or she's just stringing you along. The hairs on the back of my neck say you get one "payment" from her coinciding with her next disability check, then not another cent -- an endless parade of sob stories, though. If she wants a payment plan take a lien on her car or something else tangible - better yet, tell her to title pawn it herself and pay you in cash.

Gerhard, I'm glad you're getting at least some satisfaction.

Remember how much help the school officials were to you when it comes time to vote on their budget.

 

[Stevel]

You attempted to resolve the issues in a reasonable fashion. The school is blowing you off as if your concerns are irrelevant and they don't owe you a response. Schools today think they're their own little municipality and can make their own rules.

There comes a point when it's not about the clothes or the kids or the phone, but reminding the administration that they work for you and the community they serve. It's within your power to be an epic headache and cast an ugly shadow over the administration. The truth is irrelevant - perception is everything.

Spin it as the latest of several *Hate Crimes* the school administration is sweeping under the rug. There I said it. Hate Crime. An unnamed minor is gay or bi or black and that was the catalyst - be creative. Get 2 more parents involved willing to lend their name to "the cause" which adds credibility then contact the local news together. Local media foams at the mouth over stuff like that. Turning a blind eye towards bullying is serious today. They'll contact you like WTF dude! Then...tell them your price.




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I couldn't disagree more. Stick to what really happened, and force the pranksters to make it right. Nothing less and nothing more.

 

[Stevel]

Holy crap. I'm not sure how to even respond to this. That's not the road I want him going down in life. He gets good grades, has good friends, doesn't get into trouble, enjoys the marching band....let him enjoy being a kid, not being a thug.

It appears that you know exactly how to respond to that.

 

[jesse]

Holy crap. I'm not sure how to even respond to this. That's not the road I want him going down in life. He gets good grades, has good friends, doesn't get into trouble, enjoys the marching band....let him enjoy being a kid, not being a thug.

Right, in 2015, suggesting such a path is a very bad thing. Telling your kid to go get charged with assault isn't really the brightest idea

 

[Henning]

It's amazing how many people are (apparently) living paycheck to paycheck.


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Amazing? It's how our economy is designed, it makes the financial industry a bunch of money in the "payday loan" business. Why do you think there is such a fight against raising the minimum wage?

 

[wsuffa]

I would think that if a police report was filed the Police would have no choice but go investigate. If the principle continues to refuse to discuss it they would most likely go after him, since he has made himself an accessory.

In some places, they won't investigate for such a small amount. They'll take the report so you can file with your insurance company.

In fact, if the amount is above the deductible on your homeowner's insurance, just file a claim with them. They'll subrogate far more effectively than you ever can.

 

[N801BH]

I received a call from the SRO saying that she had contacted both parents and passed along my information. A few minutes later the first parent called. Very stern, and said she's on disability and can pay for half the phone, but only if I take monthly payments for 18 months. She just left a bad impression.

Then the dad of the second kid called. I bet he apologized ten times during the call, and each time thanked me for not pressing charges. He said he was sorry it took so long but he was at work and had to wait until his break. He said it would take him 2 weeks, when he gets paid again, but he'd have the cash for me if I could wait that long. Then he was telling me how his son is a good kid and it was out of character for him and I can be assured something like that will never happen again. "Oh man, I'm rambling. I'm sorry, I know you're busy." I felt bad for the guy.

I'm just glad to put this behind me.

Drive by both of the perps houses... If they are run down and look like a paycheck to paycheck kinda deal then work with them....

If there are new cars in the driveway, Dish /Direct TV dishes on the house, boats in the drive, etc etc.... Press charges and Take the SOB's to court..
My gut feeling is the disability mom is scamming the system... And you are 100% correct,, do NOT hire the kid in your landscaping business to work off the debt.... He will hurt himself 10 minutes into even the most simple task..... His mommy surely has taught him well...

 

[DJTorrente]

Amazing? It's how our economy is designed, it makes the financial industry a bunch of money in the "payday loan" business. Why do you think there is such a fight against raising the minimum wage?

Lighten up, Francis...

Payday lending is a $46 Billion industry. That's only 3.9% (one twenty-fifth, 1/25) of all financial services ($1.26 Trillion). Financial services is 7.2% of total GDP, making payday lending 0.28% of the US economy.

Is it ugly? Yeah. Is it a problem? Maybe. Is it driving US policy decisions in any real sense? No way. You seriously want others to join your herculean leap of faith to believe that anyone who opposes a ridiculous minimum wage increase is maliciously putting a boot on the neck of poor people? Where's your concern about the government's boot on the neck of the middle class?

Anyway, like I said, lighten up, Francis.