TO SUE/BE SUED
An individual, business, partnership or corporation can sue in Small Claims Court. Only monetary damages and not equitable remedies such as injunctive relief may be pursued in Small Claims Court.
If you intend on suing someone, you will have to file a notice of small claim against the party which you allege owes you money. Depending on which Small Claims Court in Washington State your case is filed in, you may be required to engage in mediation in an attempt to settle your claim prior to trial.
Here are some common claims made in Small Claims Court where the Plaintiff, the suing party,
seeks monetary damages:
Faulty Workmanship
Auto
Damages
Loan
Rent
Merchandise
Wages
Return of Deposit
Property Damage
The list provided above does not cover everything, but only some of the common areas where a suing party seeks monetary damages.
If you are being sued then you, as the defendant in the case, can present any defenses or counterclaims against the plaintiff, the party suing you. If you can successfully present your defense, you can either prevent or limit the monetary damages that the plaintiff can collect from you. If you can present sufficient evidence to prove any counterclaim against the plaintiff then the court can grant a monetary judgement in your favor instead of granting a favorable judgement for the plaintiff.
How Much Can you Sue Or Be Sued For
In Small Claims Court?
In Small Claims Court in Washington State, a person may sue for monetary damages of up to $10,000 while a business, partnership or corporation may sue for monetary damages of up to $5000. So, if for example, some person seeks $7000 in property damages then a claim for such damage may be filed in Small Claims Court. But if the person is seeking $12,000 in property damages then the person can’t sue in Small Claims Court because the monetary damages are beyond the $10,000 limit.
Whether you are suing someone or being sued in Small Claims Court, our law firm reviews the evidence to evaluate your case. If you are suing someone then we review the evidence to evaluate what claims that you can present. If you are being sued then we review the evidence to evaluate any defenses or counterclaims that you can present. Further, we prepare you for any of the various proceedings that you may have to face and participate in as part of a small claims suit such as mediation or trial.