Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Can I file a small claim against the car shop that worked on my car and tampered with me engine and caused it to die?


Asked on 7/20/11, 10:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

It depends. Is the amount you are seeking less than $8000? If so, then the answer is yes. You file in the magistrate's court where the business is located. If it is a business, you sue the business and serve the owner or registered agent. If it is an individual, you sue them and serve them where they live. If it is a person doing business as "Bob's Garage" then you sue the person. Their is a fictitious names index at the courthouse - find out who the owner of "Bob's Garage" or whatever (this is just an example) is and their address.

You will also need a mechanic to testify for you. He will have to say that he looked at your car and what was done and that it was done wrong or damaged in some way. He will also have to testify as to what it would cost to fix it - for example - to install a new engine it would cost $500 for parts and $1000 for labor.

If you are over $8000, you sue in the trial court but your case is heard in arbitration. I can't imagine you are seeking more than $25,000, but if you are claiming over $8000, then to best maximize your chance for success I would get a lawyer.

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Answered on 7/20/11, 11:23 am


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