We often encourage clients to file their consumer cases in Small Claims Court. This is relatively easy in the local district courts and trials are quick. For many years, however, the limit for damages that could be claimed was $2,000. The exception was for property damage to motor vehicles. Now, in the Economic Development Bill, the legislature has raised the small claims damages limit to $7,000.
The way the bill was drafted it will go into effect immediately. While this will help consumers with claims up to $7,000, we feel that it may also help our personal injury clients who have claims that may fall into this category. The insurance companies often offer nominal monies for soft tissue claims such as neck and back injuries. With this new law, we may have some ammunition to fight back!