Hobart v. Mendelson
Plaintiff John Hobart sought to recover $840 for services performed for Amo Restoration, LLC, a business formed by defendant Mildred Mendelson. Hobart was hired for carpentry and yard work, but Mendelson stopped payment on his final check after he refused to provide his address and Social Security number. The Justice Court awarded Hobart the principal sum of $840. On appeal, Mendelson argued she was not obligated to pay until Hobart provided his personal information. The Appellate Term affirmed the judgment, stating that under Labor Law § 191 (1) and New York public policy, workers are entitled to be paid for work already performed regardless of documentation regarding employment eligibility.