Small claims court can hear a wide variety of civil cases, including:
- Breach of contract
- Negligence
- Consumer protection disputes
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Property damage disputes
- Debt collection
Here are some specific examples of cases that can be heard in small claims court:
- A consumer who buys a defective product from a store can sue the store for the cost of the product and any damages caused by the defect.
- A tenant who has their belongings damaged by a landlord’s negligence can sue the landlord for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items.
- A person who is injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a grocery store can sue the store for their medical expenses and other losses.
- A person who is owed money by a friend or family member can sue them for the debt.
What types of cases cannot be heard in small claims court?
There are some types of cases that cannot be heard in small claims court, such as:
- Family law matters, such as divorce and child custody
- Cases involving personal injury claims over the monetary limit
- Cases against the government
If you are unsure whether your case can be heard in small claims court, you should contact the court clerk.
Benefits of using small claims court
There are several benefits to using small claims court to resolve disputes:
- It is a more informal and less expensive process than the traditional court system.
- The rules of evidence are less strict, so you do not need to hire a lawyer to represent you.
- Cases are typically heard more quickly than in the traditional court system.
If you are considering using small claims court to resolve a dispute, you should do your research and understand the process before you start a case.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.