Maier Construction, Inc. v. Ryan

On November 10, 1975, Richard L. Ryan was served with a summons and complaint by Maier Construction, Inc. The complaint demanded judgment on two causes of action. The first cause of action asked for $1,032.56 for labor and materials used in repairing Ryan’s house. The second cause of action demanded that $1,200 be paid for an estimate which Maier made for repairs allegedly necessary to permanently restore Ryan’s property, which had been damaged by fire. The next day, Ryan, who was not a lawyer, mailed a personal letter to the attorney for Maier Construction, Inc. The letter began as follows:

“A…