Are there any limits on the amount of damages I can be awarded in a small claims court case?

Yes, there are limits on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a small claims court case in Hawaii. The maximum amount that can be awarded in a Hawaii small claims case is $5,000. This amount includes damages for the value of the goods or services, as well as the cost of court fees, any attorney’s fees, and/or any interest or other costs. If a plaintiff is seeking more than the $5,000 limit, they must file a regular civil case in the Circuit Court. In addition, the type of damages a plaintiff can receive in a small claims case are limited to those that can be easily calculated and compensated by a monetary payment. Punitive damages, which are designed to punish a party for their behavior, are not available in a Hawaii small claims court case. The same is true for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, which cannot be supported by concrete evidence. Finally, the Hawaii small claims court also has a two-year limitation period for filing a case. This means plaintiffs must file their case within two years of the date the cause of action occurred or they may be barred from bringing their case to court.

Related FAQs

Can I countersue the other party in a small claims court case?
When is the plaintiff's evidence due in a small claims court hearing?
Can I take depositions in a small claims court case?
What is the process for objecting to evidence in a small claims court case?
How do I find out the status of my small claims court case?
How do I submit a written statement in a small claims court case?
How does the evidence presented in a small claims court hearing differ from that presented in other courts?
What is the process for collecting a judgment from the other party in small claims court?
How do I find out if a small claims court case is still active?
What is the process for appealing a small claims court decision to a higher court?

Are there any limits on the amount of damages I can be awarded in a small claims court case?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts