How to sue a company
Most people think suing a company requires a lawyer, months of work, and thousands of dollars. For disputes under $10,000, small claims court lets you do it yourself for around $100 total.
Short answer: send a demand letter, then file in small claims court if they don't pay.
You don't need a lawyer for most disputes with companies. Small claims court was built for exactly this situation. Filing fees are $30 to $75, you represent yourself, and most cases get resolved in a single hearing. The hardest part is usually figuring out the right forms and where to file. PettyLawsuit handles both for $29.
When you can sue a company
If any of these sound familiar, you probably have a valid case.
They owe you money and won't pay
Unpaid invoices, loans, deposits, or refunds they agreed to but never sent.
They broke a contract
Failed to deliver a service, didn't finish the work, or violated terms you both agreed to.
They sold you something defective
Products that broke immediately, services that were never performed, or goods that weren't as described.
They damaged your property
A contractor who ruined your floor, a moving company that broke your furniture, or a business that damaged your car.
They charged you for services you didn't receive
Gym memberships, subscriptions, or professional services billed but never delivered.
They won't return your deposit
Security deposits, down payments, or prepayments they're holding onto without legitimate cause.
7 steps to sue a company
This works for any company, from your local contractor to a national chain.
Figure out if you have a real case
You need two things: someone broke an agreement or violated your rights, and you lost money because of it. If both are true, you probably have a case.
Find the company's legal name and registered agent
You can't sue 'that store on Main Street.' Look up the company's registered legal name and agent through your state's Secretary of State website. PettyLawsuit does this automatically.
Send a demand letter first
Before filing, send a formal demand letter. Most judges expect this, and roughly 70% of disputes settle at this stage. It also shows the court you tried to resolve things before suing.
Decide which court to file in
For disputes under $5,000 to $25,000 (varies by state), small claims court is the fastest and cheapest option. You don't need a lawyer, and filing fees are usually $30 to $75.
File the right forms
Each court requires specific forms. Get them wrong and your case gets rejected. PettyLawsuit generates the correct forms for your state and county automatically.
Serve the company
The company has to be officially notified about the lawsuit. Most states let you do this through certified mail, a process server, or the sheriff's office.
Show up to court and present your case
Bring all your evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, emails. Be organized. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision, usually the same day.
70% of disputes settle without going to court
What it actually costs
Small claims court (DIY)
Hiring a lawyer
Common questions about suing a company
Answers based on how small claims courts actually work across all 50 states
Quick Answer
PettyLawsuit helps you file small claims court cases in 5 minutes for $29. No lawyer needed. We handle demand letters, business lookups, and court documents automatically.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to sue a company?
The cost depends on which route you take. Small claims court filing fees range from $30 to $75 in most states. A demand letter through PettyLawsuit costs $29. If you hire a lawyer for a regular civil case, expect $200 to $500 per hour. For disputes under your state's small claims limit ($5,000 to $25,000 depending on the state), small claims court is the cheapest option because you don't need a lawyer. Most people spend under $100 total: $29 for the demand letter and $30 to $75 for the filing fee.
Can I sue a company without a lawyer?
Yes. In small claims court, you represent yourself. That's the whole point of the system. Lawyers are actually prohibited from appearing in some states' small claims courts. For disputes above your state's small claims limit, you can still file a civil lawsuit without a lawyer (called 'pro se' filing), but it gets complicated fast. For amounts under $10,000, small claims is almost always the better choice.
Do I need to send a demand letter before suing?
Technically, most states don't require it. But practically, you should always send one. Judges look favorably on plaintiffs who tried to resolve things before filing. Around 70% of disputes settle after a demand letter, saving you the hassle of going to court. And if the case does go to court, the demand letter becomes evidence that you acted in good faith.
How long does it take to sue a company in small claims court?
From filing to hearing, most small claims cases take 30 to 60 days. Some states move faster, some slower. The rough timeline: send a demand letter (give them 14 to 30 days to respond), file your claim (same day online or at the courthouse), serve the company (7 to 14 days), attend the hearing (scheduled 2 to 6 weeks after filing). Total time from start to resolution is typically 6 to 12 weeks.
What evidence do I need to sue a company?
Bring everything you have. The strongest cases include: the original contract, agreement, or receipt; any written communication (emails, texts, letters) showing the problem; photos or videos of defective products or damage; your demand letter and proof it was delivered (certified mail receipt); bank statements or proof of payment; and any witnesses who can confirm what happened. Organize everything by date so you can walk the judge through the timeline.
Can I sue a large corporation in small claims court?
Yes. Small claims courts don't care how big the company is. Walmart, Amazon, your local contractor, a national gym chain: they all get sued in small claims court regularly. Large companies often settle because sending a lawyer to small claims costs them more than paying your claim. The company has to send a representative who can speak for them, and in some states, that representative can't be a lawyer.
What if the company is in a different state?
You generally file in the state where the transaction happened or where the company does business. If you bought something from an out-of-state online retailer, you can often sue in your own state if they sell to customers there. Check if the company has a registered agent in your state. If they do business in your state, they're fair game. PettyLawsuit's business lookup tool finds the company's registered agent and correct filing location for you.
What happens if I win but the company doesn't pay?
Winning a judgment and collecting money are two separate things. If the company ignores the judgment, you have enforcement options: wage garnishment (for sole proprietors), bank account levies, property liens, or reporting the judgment to credit agencies. Many states also let you request a 'debtor's examination' where the court orders the company to reveal their assets. Larger companies almost always pay because unpaid judgments hurt their credit and business operations.
Should I sue in small claims court or regular civil court?
If your claim is under your state's small claims limit, go small claims. It's faster (weeks instead of months), cheaper (no lawyer fees), and simpler (no complex procedures). Small claims limits range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on your state. If your claim exceeds the limit, you have two choices: sue for the maximum in small claims and forfeit the rest, or hire a lawyer and go through regular civil court. For most everyday disputes, small claims wins on every metric.