contract-law common-law breach-of-contract
What standing does the delegatee have?
<p>I'm working on understanding some topics from contract law -- specifically about delegation (a type of contract assignment).  Let's say the client bought a kit to build something and then realized he didn't have the tools or skills needed to put it together, so he hires A to build it for him.  (Craftsmanship isn't an issue here.)</p>

<p>Now A delegates the job to B.  B does the job and tries to deliver the finished object to the client, who gets in a snit because he wasn't told about the delegation (he didn't realize they didn't have to tell him).  The client refuses to accept the delivery and doesn't pay.</p>

<p>Whom can B sue for nonpayment?  I'm thinking both A and the client but I'm not sure.</p>

<p>If B does shoddy work, can the client sue B?  (Obviously, the client can sue A, but I'm not sure if he can also sue B.)</p>

<h2>B sues A</h2>

<p>Under your scenario, the Client is a Principal and A is a Contractor under a Contract and A is the Principal and B is a (Sub)Contractor under a different (Sub)Contract.</p>

<p>Assuming that B has fulfilled all its obligations under the Subcontract with A then A owes them the agreed payment and B sues A for the liquidated debt if they don't pay. Whether A has fulfilled their obligations to the Client or has been paid by the Client is a matter of complete indifference to B.</p>

<p>If A has gone bankrupt or is otherwise unable to pay, then B has no claim on the Client.</p>

<p>Similarly, if the goods/service is defective, the Client only has a cause of action against A (who may or may not have a cause against B depending on if the defect is due to A or B).</p>
