So! You've got a gripe? If it involves a loss of a specific sum of money, you can consider
filing a lawsuit in small claims court in your hometown. The amount of which can be determined in no uncertain terms--- preferably including a "paper-trail" of impeccable nature. In simple terms, one files a lawsuit in small claims for an exact amount of money., usually not in excess of some figure such as $15,000,00 in my home state of Tennessee. However, you should consider carefully some important points before you dash off to the courthouse! If your case is based solely on a claim for payment for your pain and suffering, for instance, or possibly your hope to inflict punishment (called punitive damages in legal speak), FORGET IT. In general terms, think of small claims as limited to lawsuits which involve the recovery of the value of something for which you can specify an exact amount of value in dollars and cents.
What's the difference if you file a lawsuit against The XYZ Corporation and say, Joe's Garage which operates in your hometown? Be it a huge conglomerate or Joe's Garage, Inc., any incorporated business, large or small, is considered a legal entity which must be represented by an attorney, whereas the owner of Joe's Garage may choose to hire an attorney or show up to defend himself if he runs his business as a sole proprietor.
Although not all U.S. States have small claims court by that specific name, many if not most will allow an individual to represent himself in General Sessions Courtrooms without an attorney. In either cicumstance, court paperwork will require the listing of a specific entity by name and a postal mailng address to whom the notification of lawsuit will be delivered by a duly authorized person, usually a Deputy Sheriff.
XYZ Corporation may operate a branch office in your city where the local manager says: "Don't blame me. It's those guys at Regional."
Their Regional Office may direct you to their national headquarters which might be offshore or in another country. If Joe's Garage is your target, that's easier. If it's a sole proprietorship, the company is owned by Joe Doaks who may be a neighbor.
Some national companies, like Microsoft have their products in retail stores but operate no company owned outlets where court papers could be served. Other national corporations such as eBay and Yahoo, for example, have a presence only on the internet. So the obvious question arises, especially when the target is a national corporation!Where does one direct their court paperwork? There is an easy solution! My home state of Tenneseee, and probably most other US states, requires any corporation which does business in Tennessee to designate a corporate agent with their postal mailing address with the office of their Secretary of State. The XYZ Corp will surely be listed, whereas Joe's Garage is probably available from the local phone book unless his business is also an incorporated entity.[Check your local Business Directory to be sure of appropriate action.]
Helpful Information!| Read About The Dark Side of Microsoft Case# 00GC21362 General Sessions Court Nashville, TN Click Here. |
Click Here to read about: The Dark Side of PAYPAL Case# 06GC9865 General Sessions Court Nashville, TN |
|---|---|
|
