SMALL CLAIMS STATISTICS
Understanding the numbers behind small claims court in Los Angeles County
250,000+
SMALL CLAIMS FILED
Los Angeles County files over 250,000 small claims cases annually, making it the busiest small claims court in California
Source: Los Angeles Superior Court Annual Report
$3,500
AVERAGE CLAIM AMOUNT
The typical small claims case in California involves amounts between $2,000-$5,000
Source: California Judicial Council Statistics
60-70%
PLAINTIFF WIN RATE
Plaintiffs who show up to court with proper documentation win their cases approximately 60-70% of the time
Source: California Courts Self-Help Statistics
SMALL CLAIMS COURT BASICS
FOR PLAINTIFFS
Maximum Claim Amount
• Individuals can sue for up to $12,500
• Businesses can sue for up to $6,250
• You can file up to 12 cases per year over $2,500
• Businesses can sue for up to $6,250
• You can file up to 12 cases per year over $2,500
No Attorneys Allowed
Small claims court is designed for self-representation. Neither party may be represented by an attorney at the hearing, creating a level playing field.
Demand Letter Required
You must send a demand letter before filing. This gives the defendant a chance to pay before court involvement. Many cases settle at this stage.
Cost to File
• $0-$1,500: $30 filing fee
• $1,500-$5,000: $50 filing fee
• $5,000-$12,500: $75 filing fee
Plus process server fees (~$50-$150)
• $1,500-$5,000: $50 filing fee
• $5,000-$12,500: $75 filing fee
Plus process server fees (~$50-$150)
Win Rate
Plaintiffs with proper documentation and evidence win approximately 60-70% of contested small claims cases in California.
FOR DEFENDANTS
Respond to Demand Letters
When you receive a demand letter, responding quickly shows good faith and can lead to settlement without court. Ignoring it may lead to a lawsuit.
Settlement is Cheaper
Even if you believe you're not at fault, settling can be more cost-effective than taking time off work, gathering evidence, and potentially losing in court.
If You Lose in Court
• You pay the judgment amount
• Plus court costs and interest (10% annual rate)
• Plaintiff can garnish wages or levy bank accounts
• Property liens may be placed
• Your credit may be affected
• Plus court costs and interest (10% annual rate)
• Plaintiff can garnish wages or levy bank accounts
• Property liens may be placed
• Your credit may be affected
Default Judgments
If you don't show up to court, you automatically lose. Default judgments are entered in favor of the plaintiff for the full amount plus costs.
Consider Negotiation
Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Offering a payment plan or partial settlement often resolves cases without court.
WHY SETTLEMENT MAKES SENSE
For Plaintiffs:
- ✓Get paid faster - Settlement can happen in days vs. months waiting for court
- ✓Guaranteed payment - Even if you win in court, collecting can be difficult
- ✓No court appearance - Save time and avoid the stress of court
- ✓Lower risk - Even with strong evidence, court outcomes can be unpredictable
- ✓Preserve relationships - If it's a former friend or business partner, settlement is less adversarial
For Defendants:
- ✓Avoid judgment on record - Court judgments are public and can affect credit
- ✓Negotiate amount - Settlement often results in paying less than full claim
- ✓Payment plans - Agree to terms that work with your budget
- ✓Save time - No need to take time off work for court appearances
- ✓Avoid wage garnishment - If you lose in court, collection methods can be invasive
💡 SETTLEMENT SUCCESS RATE
Studies show that approximately 70-80% of demand letters result in some form of settlement or response, avoiding the need for court entirely. Starting with Lawzuit's free demand letter gives both parties the best chance at resolving disputes quickly and affordably.
THE LAWZUIT ADVANTAGE
📝
Free Demand Letters
Create professional demand letters at no cost. Many disputes resolve at this stage without ever going to court.
⚖️
Affordable Filing
If settlement fails, file your small claims case for $199 (plus court fees) - much less than hiring an attorney.
🤝
Settlement Focused
Our platform encourages negotiation and settlement at every step, saving time and money for both parties.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Los Angeles Superior Court - Small Claims
Official resource for small claims procedures, forms, and court locations in LA County
lacourt.org/division/smallclaims →California Courts Self-Help
Statewide resource for understanding small claims court procedures and preparing your case
courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-smallclaims →Small Claims Advisors
Free legal advice available at LA County courthouses for both plaintiffs and defendants
No appointment needed - visit any LA Superior Court location during business hours
READY TO RESOLVE YOUR DISPUTE?
Start with a free demand letter. Most disputes settle before ever reaching court.
Get Started FreeNo credit card required • Free demand letters • $199 small claims filing