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 South Dakota. Any claim filed in a small claims court in South Dakota must not exceed $12,000. The maximum amount a plaintiff can recover is the amount of their claim, unless they are also pursuing additional costs. In such cases, any costs added on cannot exceed $1,000 in total. Though there is a limit on the amount of damages that can be awarded, small claims court still offers individuals an opportunity to obtain justice without having to go through the costly and time consuming process of traditional court proceedings. Small claims court allows individuals to pursue their claims in a quick and cost-effective manner, without having to worry about the potential financial setback of an expensive court case. It is important to keep in mind, however, that small claims court is only available for certain types of disputes. If your dispute is not a valid claim to pursue in small claims court, then the damages awarded could exceed the $12,000 limit. Additionally, if the case is complicated, small claims court may not be the best option as the court may not be able to provide the due process necessary to make a fair ruling.
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