Civil Litigation
You can commence a civil action for various
types of losses you may have suffered. A few examples are:
- A contract dispute
- Negligence causing personal injury or
financial loss or damage to property
- Money owed to you on an unpaid loan or
unpaid account
- Return of personal property
- Refund for substandard goods
- Dispute over an estate or inheritance
If you are suing for money and the amount is
$6 000 or less, you can bring your action in the small claims court. You
can represent yourself in small claims court, and the Small Claims Court
office near you will advise you regarding the procedure.
If the amount sought is over $6 000, the
matter will be dealt with in the Ontario Court (General Division). The
laws and procedures that deal with such civil actions are complex and
you will require a lawyer. Consult your lawyer before taking any action
to advise you regarding your likelihood of success. It may be that
involving a lawyer will help bring negotiations to bear and settle the
matter more quickly than by obtaining a judgment through a lengthy trial
process.
