I was a volunteer now they are threatening to sue me

[bpadair]

Greetings,

I was volunteering for an organization and I thought that everything was going fine. At the end of every conversation with the leader of the organization, he stated that he was happy and everything was well. Then all of a sudden, he began sending emails stating that he was unhappy, that I hadn't completed the work that I said, and that he was going to take me to court. He then asked that I turn over the software they had purchased and all of the work that I had done. I informed him that I would return the software and that I would email him the files I had been working on as I did not want to be spiteful. I also informed him that it would be a couple of days before I could email the files as I did not have access to that computer at the time. He seemed fine with all of this. Today as I am getting ready to send him the files he leaves more voicemails and emails threatening to sue. My questions are 1. Since there was no contract nor was I being compensated for this work, am I still obligated to provide it. 2. What if any grounds does he have to file a lawsuit against me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[jacksgal]

You fail to give accurate description of these events or what he is driving at. I doubt anyone can give good answers without more detail. Exclude names or person(s) and company. It sounds like you might have access to information the compnay does not want you to and the longer you take to give it to them them more concern they have you are saving it

 

[CdwJava]

Without knowing what type of work you did for them, it's hard to say what grounds they can sue you for. However, if they purchased the software, unless they GAVE it to you to keep (forever), then it belongs to them and they have a right to its return. Whether any derivative work you produced on their behalf is theirs or not might be an issue for the court (it will depend on what the work is, what your function, assignment, or job was, and the laws in your state).

But, do you really want to take it that far? Even a win in court will cost you money if it gets to that. To me, it does not seem worth it. If they don't want you, then sever the relationship with as little damage as you can.

It might benefit you to simply return the software and the files and have done with it.

- Carl

 

[bpadair]

I am trying to not let it get that far. It just seems that everytime I try to meet them, the bar gets moved farther away. I have already mailed back their software and I am going to email the files that I was working on. What I was doing was to help develop a website for them. The leader was not happy with the lack of progress on the current project and I took it over. It just seems that no matter what I do, his response is everything is ok and then a couple hours later, we are going to sue you.

Without knowing what type of work you did for them, it's hard to say what grounds they can sue you for. However, if they purchased the software, unless they GAVE it to you to keep (forever), then it belongs to them and they have a right to its return. Whether any derivative work you produced on their behalf is theirs or not might be an issue for the court (it will depend on what the work is, what your function, assignment, or job was, and the laws in your state).

But, do you really want to take it that far? Even a win in court will cost you money if it gets to that. To me, it does not seem worth it. If they don't want you, then sever the relationship with as little damage as you can.

It might benefit you to simply return the software and the files and have done with it.

- Carl

 

[CdwJava]

Sometimes, that is the way it is. Without a contract to spell out duties and obligations, neither of you have any good protections in place.

Having been involved in volunteer organizations for many years (in a position of authority as well as a worker bee), all I can suggest is that you politely return everything to him, ask if there is anything else that you can do for him, say you are sorry things did not work out and wish him well. It's kinda hard to get in trouble for going out looking like the gentleman and being cooperative.

- Carl