In most cases, you cannot. But there are exceptions to the general rule (discussed below), and contingency fees offer a potential solution for cash-strapped litigants. Under the “American Rule,” each party is responsible for its own attorney fees—win or lose.

Including a counterargument paragraph when writing an argumentative paper shows your reader you know and understand that other positions exist, you have considered these, and you can respond to them. Doing this gives you credibility and can strengthen your own argument.

Warrant: the underlying connection between the claim and evidence, or why the evidence supports the claim. Backing: tells audience why the warrant is a rational one. In scholarly essays, the warrant and backing would be the areas most supported by factual evidence to support the legitimacy of their assertion.

opposing claim

If your dispute is for slightly more than the limit, it may still be worth it to file a small claims suit. You won’t be able to sue for the full amount, but you’ll avoid the expense of a regular lawsuit. The small claims filing fee varies from state to state.

WINNING IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT A plaintiff who loses a Small Claims Court case cannot appeal. Only a defendant can appeal a small claims case. If you are the defendant in a Small Claims Court, you are trying to avoid being held liable to the plaintiff for some amount of money.

The law must support your contention that you were harmed by the illegal actions of another.

• Bad Debt. A type of contract case.
• Breach of Contract.
• Breach of Warranty.
• Failure to Return a Security Deposit.
• Libel or Slander (Defamation).
• Nuisance.
• Personal Injury.
• Product Liability.

If you decide to go to court, follow these steps:

1. Figure Out How to Name the Defendant.
2. Ask for Payment.
3. Find the Right Court to File Your Claim.
4. Fill Out Your Court Forms.
5. File Your Claim.
6. Serve Your Claim.
7. Go to Court.

You can sue for up to $10,000, if you are an individual or a sole proprietor. Corporations and other entities are limited to $5,000. In addition, a party (individuals or corporations) can file no more than two claims exceeding $2,500 in any court throughout the State of California during a calendar year.

How to file a form

1. Register or log in to the Online Registry.
2. Click on the ‘Start or defend a case’ tab.
3. Select the appropriate form.
4. Complete the form online.
5. Pay the appropriate fee to submit your form.

plaintiff

Here’s how to find legal help if you can’t afford a lawyer:

1. Contact the city courthouse.
2. Seek free lawyer consultations.
3. Look to legal aid societies.
4. Visit a law school.
5. Contact your county or state bar association.
6. Go to small claims court.

In legal terminology, a complaint is any formal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons (see: cause of action) that the filing party or parties (the plaintiff(s)) believes are sufficient to support a claim against the party or parties against whom the claim is brought (the defendant(s)) that entitles …

Once Formal Complaint is filed After your complaint is filed, the agency will send you a letter letting you know it received your complaint. The agency will also review the complaint and decide whether your case should be dismissed for a procedural reason (for example, your claim was filed too late).