Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
Dear Civil Litigation Attorney's-
I just recently took a business owner to small claims court. I was the plaintiff, and filed the suit. I lost the suit, and the case was dismissed by the judge. The judge said that I can appeal. In court we went over the details of the case. I sued the business owner, because they had property of mine, and were not responsible of my property and was avoiding me. The business owner kept putting me off and not returning my phone calls, and complaining of personal problems, etc. I even made personal visits and was put off on retrieving my property item. It took this business owner 5 months to contact me with details of my property that was, or wasn't in their possesion. They didn't know... I pointed out to the judge, that I felt that this was completely unfair, and poor business edicut and irresponsibility on the business owner of my property and it's monetary value, etc. I had a right to know of my property, and reclaim it. I felt that the business owners lack of responsibility and disregard of my contacts etc. was just not right! The judge felt that nothing was wrong with this business owners handling of the situation..... "???" I'm going to appeal, so any pointers and advice on this situation?... Thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Appeals are expensive and very rarely do appellate courts overturn a trial court's decision. I don't know the value of your case and the amount of damages you claimed, but you might think twice before you go to the expense and hassle of filing an appeal. Additionally, for the appellate court to even consider your case, you need to have a strong legal argument as to why the trial court judge made a mistake.