[odddogmedia]

The fact you refunded the deposit alone should clear you of any responsibility, both financially and work-wise. Smart move there.

Ultimately this comes down to your contract with them. You did have them agree to a contract detailing everything right??

Although some will say a contract is worth as much as the paper it's written on (or how much one is willing to pay a prosecutor) it's still smart to outline expectations from both sides before beginning work.

I'm curious though -- define "insane amount of money".

Also, what went wrong? Unmet expectations? Better offer come along? Burn out?

[geoffschmidt]

No, unfortunately refunding the deposit doesn't necessarily clear him of liability. If I say I'm going to do something, and I don't, I can't always get out of the situation by saying "let's pretend I never made a commitment."

That said, I doubt it's as bad as he fears. He needs a lawyer.

[launchplus]

Well, they're asking me to pay like 5 times the original amount I charged them and this only came after like 6 months since I refunded them the deposit.

As for what went wrong, it's a case of both having a better offer (work at a startup) and burn out from bad experiences with other clients.

[odddogmedia]

Hire a lawyer.

This won't hold up in court and it will only get worse if you ignore it.

Good luck!