If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.
Although a demand letter is not a required prerequisite to a lawsuit under California law, courts tend to have a more favorable view of parties that make good faith efforts to resolve disputes prior to formal legal action in court.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.
Here's a short list of what you'll want to include: Facts of the case. An outline of what happened. Statement of the issue. A brief description of the problem. Demand. The dollar amount or action necessary to resolve the case. Response deadline. The date by which the recipient must respond. Noncompliance consequences.
Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you're a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.
Example of a Claim Settlement Letter We are writing to inform you that we have completed our evaluation of your claim filed under policy number Policy Number regarding Brief Description of the Claim. We are pleased to offer a settlement amount of Settlement Amount.
Your settlement letter should begin with a heading that clearly identifies it as a settlement proposal. Be sure to include your contact information, such as your name, address and phone number so that the recipient can get in touch with you if necessary.
I We amWe are we are making this offer on the clear understanding that, if you accept it, neither you nor any associate company will take any other action to collect or enforce this debt in any way and that I We we will be released from any liability.