Ladies: I am going to small claims court tonight - FH and I are suing a plumbing company for a faulty job they did on some pipes that ended up causing a major flood in our old apt and ruining $5000 worth of our lives - not to mention forcing us to move in the dead of winter. I have no idea whether we have a case or not - we had no renters insurance then, so we were screwed. This is our last resort to get some cash.
I AM NERVOUS!!
Lawyers: Any advice?
ckgmwedding
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
Bring any proof that you had and try to stay factual in your presentation, not emotional. Bring any pics, receipts for things you had to replace, and information which links to plumber to the problem. You know I'm not a lawyer, but I have been to court to testify before. Hope that helps and good luck!!!!
BlondeJD
Posted:
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Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
This isn't legal advice (because I haven't actually been admitted yet ) but just what I've learned watching those TV court shows 1) Bring proof of all your claims 2) Shut up when the judge starts talking--they hate being interrupted.
DebMaher
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Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
Posted by jenniesunshine
This isn't legal advice (because I haven't actually been admitted yet ) but just what I've learned watching those TV court shows 1) Bring proof of all your claims 2) Shut up when the judge starts talking--they hate being interrupted.
So, Jennie, does this mean my fascination with Judge Judy get me any closer to the bar?
Bunnymonkey
Posted:
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Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
We have about 100 pictures of damaged items (I'm crying in some of them - so that works well ) and pics of the faulty sodering job. I have no idea if we have a case, as the job was done in 99 - but we had to give it a shot.
Jennie: I will not interrupt the judge judy!!!
MHolly
Posted:
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Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
This is some of the best legal advice I have seen! You guys really know your stuff. My best advice as a lawyer is what was already said: bring pictures, bills, estimates--as much factual information documenting your damages as possible. This was also stated, but can't be stressed enough--be quiet when the Judge or the other party is talking--even if it kills you--stop talking! Be pleasant and courteous to the other party, and of course to the Judge. Remember that this is not personal, it is just business. Good luck to you!!
FriendoftheBride
Posted:
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Re: NWR: Have you ever gone to Court?
Don't worry about how long ago your case was. The court systems in NY are so backed up they are just now seeing cases from stuff that happened in 1999/2000! Good luck!
