Gouging a Guy

The plaintiff says the defendant, her son’s friend, ripped her off. She says he’s a clothing designer and she hired him to create a custom outfit for a party, but he never made it, even though she paid him. She’s suing for refund and damages. The defendant says he got pneumonia and was hospitalized, but he was ready to work when he got out. He’s countersuing for defamation and a stolen phone. Case: 25-050