Small Claims Court in Michigan - About the Book
Small Claims Court in Michigan - About the Book
Small Claims Court in Michigan - About the Book
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Dr. Donald J. Baranski, Attorney and Counselor at Law<br />
<strong>Small</strong> <strong>Claims</strong><br />
<strong>Court</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Michigan</strong><br />
How to Br<strong>in</strong>g and Defend<br />
Your Case <strong>in</strong> <strong>Court</strong> and<br />
Collect on Your Judgment<br />
© Copyright 2011 by Dr. Donald J. Baranski
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR .......................................................................................................................................... 1<br />
PREFACE ........................................................................................................................................................ 2<br />
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 2<br />
THE COURT SYSTEM IN MICHIGAN ............................................................................................................... 3<br />
HISTORY OF SMALL CLAIMS COURT .............................................................................................................. 4<br />
SMALL CLAIMS – A GENERAL OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 6<br />
WHAT SMALL CLAIMS IS: WHAT IT IS NOT? ............................................................................................. 7<br />
JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT ............................................................................................................................... 8<br />
NUMBER OF CLAIMS ........................................................................................................................................... 8<br />
WHO CAN SUE IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT? ................................................................................................ 9<br />
How To Start a Lawsuit <strong>in</strong> <strong>Small</strong> <strong>Claims</strong> <strong>Court</strong> ............................................................................................ 10<br />
WHEN ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10<br />
WHERE: VENUE – PHYSICAL LOCATION.................................................................................................. 11<br />
What If <strong>the</strong> Person Who Owes You Money is a M<strong>in</strong>or? ............................................................................. 12<br />
INTENTIONAL ACTS BY A MINOR RESULTING IN MEDICAL/DENTAL / PROPERTY<br />
DAMAGES .............................................................................................................................................................. 13<br />
SHOPLIFTING BY A MINOR FROM A PLACE OF BUSINESS ............................................................... 13<br />
FAILURE TO RETURN RENTED PERSONAL PROPERTY TO A PLACE OF BUSINESS............... 13<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO THE LESSEE FOR FAILURE TO RETURN PERSONAL PROPERTY ........ 15<br />
WHAT IF THE PERSON WHO OWES YOU MONEY HAD BEEN CONVICTED IN CRIMINAL<br />
COURT? .................................................................................................................................................................. 16<br />
WHAT IF RESTITUTION IS ORDERED IN A CRIMINAL CASE? ......................................................... 17<br />
WHAT IF SOMEONE OWES YOU MONEY? ................................................................................................ 17
LOANS: ................................................................................................................................................................... 17<br />
DEBTS : ................................................................................................................................................................... 18<br />
WHAT IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS TRYING TO COLLECT? ..................................................................... 18<br />
What if you are a Service Provider? ............................................................................................................ 19<br />
Special Considerations for Providers that Accept Insurance ...................................................................... 19<br />
THE REASON TO SEND A DEMAND LETTER: ......................................................................................... 20<br />
SAMPLE DEMAND LETTER ............................................................................................................................ 21<br />
SAMPLE PAYMENT AGREEMENT ................................................................................................................ 22<br />
WHAT IF SOMEONE WRITES YOU A BAD CHECK? ............................................................................... 23<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO BAD CHECK WRITER ............................................................................................. 25<br />
WHAT IF SOMEONE COMMITS RETAIL FRAUD FROM YOUR STORE? ......................................... 26<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO SHOPLIFTER ............................................................................................................. 27<br />
WHAT IF YOU CAR ACCIDENT AND IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT? ......................................................... 28<br />
MICHIGAN FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT .............................................................................. 29<br />
Sample of Freedom of Information Act Letter ............................................................................................ 33<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO OTHER DRIVER AT FAULT IN AUTO COLLISION ....................................... 34<br />
WHAT IF SOMEONE IS CHEATING YOU IN BUSINESS? ...................................................................... 35<br />
WHAT IF YOUR LANDLORD HAS NOT RETURNED YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT? ...................... 35<br />
SAMPLE SECURITY DEPOSIT DEMAND LETTER .......................................................................... 37<br />
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DEAL WITH AUTOMOTIVE GARAGE .............................................................. 38<br />
Mechanic Liens: .......................................................................................................................................... 39<br />
GARAGE KEEPER’S LIABILITY ACT- ........................................................................................................... 40<br />
BAILMENTS: ......................................................................................................................................................... 40<br />
WHAT IF “NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO CAR”?...................................... 41<br />
SAMPLE LETTER MECHANIC LIEN ............................................................................................................. 43
WHAT IF YOU ARE IN A CONSTRUCTION TRADE AND DO WORK ON A RESIDENTIAL<br />
HOUSE? .................................................................................................................................................................. 44<br />
MICHIGAN BUILDER’S TRUST FUND ......................................................................................................... 45<br />
HOMEOWNER THAT HAS DEFECTIVE WORK DONE BY SUBCONTRACTOR: ............................ 46<br />
SAMPLE LETTER OF NOTICE TO GENERAL CONTRACTOR .............................................................. 47<br />
SAMPLE CLAIM OF CONSTRUCTION LIEN............................................................................................... 48<br />
SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT [SCRA] ..................................................................................... 56<br />
NOTIFYING THE DEFENDANT OF THE LAWSUIT ................................................................................ 57<br />
REMOVAL FROM SMALL CLAIMS TO DISTRICT COURT .................................................................... 59<br />
DEMAND AND REMOVAL FROM SMALL CLAIMS FORM:................................................................... 61<br />
HISTORY OF NOTARY PUBLICS AND THEIR USE .................................................................................. 62<br />
SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT FORM ............................................................................................................................ 64<br />
CAN I GO TO COURT FOR MY HUSBAND, WIFE, PARENT OR CHILD USING A POWER OF<br />
ATTORNEY? .......................................................................................................................................................... 65<br />
FINANCIAL OWNER OF ATTORNEYS AND THEIR USE ....................................................................... 65<br />
DEFENDING A LAWSUIT ................................................................................................................................. 65<br />
COUNTER CLAIM: .............................................................................................................................................. 66<br />
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT: .......................................................................................................................... 66<br />
MEDIATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 66<br />
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 66<br />
STATUTES OF FRAUDS .................................................................................................................................... 67<br />
ARBITRATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 67<br />
RELEASE ................................................................................................................................................................ 68<br />
PRIOR JUDGMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 68<br />
PRIOR PAYMENT ................................................................................................................................................ 68
PRIVILEGES .......................................................................................................................................................... 69<br />
USURY-CHARGING EXCESSIVE INTEREST ............................................................................................... 69<br />
SERVICES PERFORMED REQUIRE A LICENSE ........................................................................................ 70<br />
COMPANY MUST BE LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF<br />
MICHIGAN ............................................................................................................................................................. 70<br />
PREPARING YOUR CASE FOR TRIAL .......................................................................................................... 70<br />
TAPE RECORDINGS ........................................................................................................................................... 70<br />
WITNESSES .......................................................................................................................................................... 72<br />
ESTIMATES ........................................................................................................................................................... 72<br />
WRITINGS ............................................................................................................................................................. 73<br />
PHOTOGRAPHS ................................................................................................................................................... 73<br />
SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES PRIOR TO TRIAL ................................................................................... 73<br />
OBTAINING A JUDGMENT .............................................................................................................................. 74<br />
HOW TO APPEAR IN COURT: ........................................................................................................................ 74<br />
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO COLLECT ON A JUDGMENT? ...................................................... 75<br />
HOW DO I COLLECT ON A JUDGMENT? .................................................................................................... 75<br />
SETTING ASIDE A DEFAULT .......................................................................................................................... 81<br />
PROCEDURE: ........................................................................................................................................................ 81<br />
I HAVE A JUDGMENT NOW WHAT? ............................................................................................................ 83<br />
GOLDEN INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 84<br />
POST JUDGMENT DEBTOR DISCOVERY .................................................................................................... 84<br />
JUDGMENT DEBTOR SUBPOENA ................................................................................................................. 84<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO DEFENDANT FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT .................................. 89<br />
SAMPLE LETTER TO JUDGE REQUESTING A WARRANT FOR ARREST OF DEFENDANT ..... 90<br />
ABSTRACT ON A JUDGMENT ......................................................................................................................... 92
HOW TO GARNISH ON A JUDGMENT ......................................................................................................... 92<br />
LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF GARNISHMENT PER PAYDAY ................................................ 93<br />
PERIODIC GARNISHMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 101<br />
NON-PERIODIC GARNISHMENTS: ............................................................................................................. 106<br />
BANK ACCOUNT: .............................................................................................................................................. 106<br />
REAL ESTATE CLOSING:................................................................................................................................ 106<br />
CONTRACTORS: ................................................................................................................................................ 106<br />
GARNISHMENTS OF MICHIGAN INCOME TAX REFUND .................................................................. 115<br />
GARNISHMENTS OF MICHIGAN INCOME TAX REFUND .................................................................. 115<br />
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE GARNISHEE DEFENDANT FAILS TO COMPLY? ................................. 119<br />
GARNISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY AND COAST GUARD .............................. 119<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Military Status of an Individual ............................................................................................. 119<br />
INVOLUNTARY ALLOTMENT FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL ............................................................ 120<br />
SEIZING PROPERTY: ....................................................................................................................................... 125<br />
PROCEDURE TO SEIZE PROPERTY: .................................................................................................... 125<br />
REQUEST AND ORDER TO SEIZE PROPERTY: ...................................................................................... 127<br />
NOTICE OF JUDGMENT LIEN ON LAND: ................................................................................................. 128<br />
NOTICE OF JUDGMENT LIEN FORM: ........................................................................................................ 129<br />
MOTION FOR INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS ............................................................................................. 130<br />
MOTION TO SET ASIDE INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS ......................................................................... 135<br />
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/garnishment/gar<strong>in</strong>dex.htm ............................................. 135<br />
WHAT IF THE DEFENDANT MOVES OUT OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AFTER A<br />
JUDGMENT? ........................................................................................................................................................ 146<br />
PROCEDURE TO FILE A MICHIGAN JUDGMENT IN FOREIGN STATE: ........................................ 146<br />
COLLECTION ACTIVITY IN A FOREIGN STATE: ................................................................................... 147
RENEWING JUDGMENTS AFTER TEN YEARS:...................................................................................... 149<br />
JUDGMENT IS PAID IN FULL: ................................................................................................................. 149<br />
SAMPLE FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF SATISFIED JUDGMENT ........................................................ 150<br />
BANKRUPTCY: ................................................................................................................................................... 151<br />
SAMPLE FORM FOR ORDER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSING DUE TO BANKRUPTCY STAY<br />
................................................................................................................................................................................. 152<br />
GLOSSARY: .......................................................................................................................................................... 154<br />
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted <strong>in</strong> any form or<br />
by any means without <strong>the</strong> written permission of <strong>the</strong> author. No copyright claimed for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Michigan</strong> <strong>Court</strong> Forms or Legal statutes, court rules, or cases.<br />
Notice of Liability: The <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> this book is provided on an “as is” basis, without<br />
warranty. The author shall not have any liability to any person or entity with regard to any<br />
liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or <strong>in</strong>directly by <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this book.<br />
Warn<strong>in</strong>g: This book conta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong>formation that may become outdated when laws, court<br />
rules or court forms change.
I Have A Judgment Now What?<br />
In a perfect world, you would receive <strong>the</strong> full amount owed to you upon <strong>the</strong> entry of <strong>the</strong><br />
Judgment. Of course, <strong>in</strong> a perfect world you would not have had to sue anyone <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first place<br />
to get what was rightfully owed to you. The Defendant, could agree to may payments to you,<br />
known as <strong>in</strong>stallment payments to pay off <strong>the</strong> debt. There is statutory <strong>in</strong>terest added to <strong>the</strong><br />
judgment so it is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Defendant’s best <strong>in</strong>terest to pay you off as soon as possible. If <strong>the</strong><br />
Defendant voluntarily agrees to do this, you are done, just collect <strong>the</strong> payments and <strong>in</strong>terest until<br />
it is paid off. When <strong>the</strong> Defendant will not voluntarily pay <strong>the</strong> debt to you <strong>the</strong>n what should you<br />
do?<br />
First, you cannot give <strong>the</strong> debt to an attorney to collect for you. In <strong>the</strong> case of In Re<br />
Goehr<strong>in</strong>g,184 Mich App 360, 457 N.W.2d 375 (1990), <strong>the</strong> Defendant attempt to use an attorney<br />
after <strong>the</strong> judgment was entered aga<strong>in</strong>st him. The <strong>Michigan</strong> <strong>Court</strong> of Appeals ruled that <strong>the</strong><br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al waiver of an attorney at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Small</strong> <strong>Claims</strong> Case before judgment,<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ues after judgment.<br />
Second, you cannot assign your case to ano<strong>the</strong>r person, or collection agency even if <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r person or company represents <strong>the</strong>mselves. The <strong>Michigan</strong> <strong>Court</strong> of Appeals decided <strong>in</strong><br />
Cadle Co. v City of Kentwood, 285 Mich App 240 (2009), that a Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff who holds a<br />
judgment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Small</strong> <strong>Claims</strong> <strong>Court</strong> shall not assign <strong>the</strong>ir claim to ano<strong>the</strong>r person to collect.<br />
This means that you cannot use an attorney to collect, nor can you sell your<br />
judgment to someone else. Therefore, if you want <strong>the</strong> money due to you, <strong>the</strong> only recourse<br />
is to do it yourself.<br />
The Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff may use a number of <strong>in</strong>voluntary collection tools. If your case <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>the</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>i-tort, or collection due to a automobile accident, you may abstract <strong>the</strong> judgment to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Michigan</strong> Secretary of State, this will suspend <strong>the</strong> driver’s license of <strong>the</strong> Defendant until<br />
arrangements are made for payments, or <strong>the</strong> judgment is paid off <strong>in</strong> full.<br />
The most common type of collection on a judgment is <strong>the</strong> garnishment of <strong>the</strong> Defendant.<br />
A garnishment is where <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff makes a request of someone who owes money, or is hold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
money for a Defendant to not pay <strong>the</strong> Defendant, but to pay <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff <strong>the</strong> money up to <strong>the</strong><br />
amount of <strong>the</strong> Judgment which <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff has aga<strong>in</strong>st Defendant. The most common type of<br />
garnishment is that of an employer of <strong>the</strong> Defendant. The Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff would garnish <strong>the</strong> employer<br />
and show that a judgment was entered aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Defendant. On payday, <strong>the</strong> employer, would<br />
<strong>the</strong>n pay a part of <strong>the</strong> Defendant’s wages to <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff. This is called a Periodic Garnishment.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r type of garnishment is where <strong>the</strong>re is a one time payment by <strong>the</strong> person or entity ow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
money to <strong>the</strong> Defendant. For example, to garnish a bank account, or to garnish <strong>the</strong> <strong>Michigan</strong><br />
Income Tax Refund. This is known as a Non-Periodic Garnishment. In addition to garnishments,
<strong>the</strong>re are liens that could be placed on <strong>the</strong> Defendant’s property. Typically, this is so that when<br />
<strong>the</strong> property is sold, part of <strong>the</strong> proceeds will go to <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff. Often, this will take a substantial<br />
amount of time before <strong>the</strong> asset is sold by <strong>the</strong> Defendant. Therefore, <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff may desire to<br />
do a seizure and sale of <strong>the</strong> Defendant’s property.
Renew<strong>in</strong>g Judgments after Ten Years:<br />
A Judgment expires <strong>in</strong> 10 years time. The Judgment may be renewed. You may feel that you<br />
will never receive your Judgment amount. Sometimes persistence pays off. For example, a<br />
notorious murderer, Charles Manson and his “family” killed 7 people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Summer of 1969.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> victim’s son, Bertke Frykowski filed a lawsuit aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>als who murdered his<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> civil court. This was <strong>the</strong> case of Bertek Frykowski v Charles Manson, Charles “Tex”<br />
Watson, Susan Denise Atk<strong>in</strong>s, Patricia Krew<strong>in</strong>kle and L<strong>in</strong>da Kasabian, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. District <strong>Court</strong><br />
for Central California, CV-70-1664-JWC. A Judgment was received <strong>in</strong> 1971. The murders were<br />
all <strong>in</strong> prison ten years later. In 1981, <strong>the</strong> judgment was renewed. Ten years later, aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1991<br />
<strong>the</strong> Judgment was renewed aga<strong>in</strong>. After be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> prison for well over 20 years, Charles Manson<br />
wrote a song, “Look at Your Game Girl”. This song was used by <strong>the</strong> rock group, “Guns N’<br />
Roses” <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir “The Spaghetti Incident?” album <strong>in</strong> 1993. Gun N’ Roses agreed to pay $62,000<br />
to Bertek Frykowski for every 1 million albums sold. The orig<strong>in</strong>al $500,000 Judgment, with<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest added over <strong>the</strong> years was worth $1.4 million at <strong>the</strong> time funds started to become<br />
available.<br />
Judgment is Paid <strong>in</strong> Full:<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> judgment is paid off <strong>in</strong> full, <strong>the</strong> Pla<strong>in</strong>tiff should fill out a Certificate of Satisfied<br />
Judgment. This will close <strong>the</strong> file and let <strong>the</strong> <strong>Court</strong> know that <strong>the</strong> case is f<strong>in</strong>ished. The Certificate<br />
of Satisfied Judgment will also appear on <strong>the</strong> Defendant’s credit report show<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> debt has<br />
been paid off <strong>in</strong> full.<br />
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/generalcivil/gc<strong>in</strong>dex.htm<br />
Look for “MC 17”
Sample Form of Certificate of Satisfied Judgment
Sample of Freedom of Information Act Letter<br />
July 1, 2011<br />
Police Department<br />
City of Fraser<br />
33000 Garfield Road<br />
Fraser, <strong>Michigan</strong> 48026<br />
RE: Police Report of<br />
Dear Freedom of Information Coord<strong>in</strong>ator,<br />
Name of Request<strong>in</strong>g Person<br />
Street Address<br />
City, <strong>Michigan</strong> 40000<br />
Telephone Number: (586)555-9876<br />
Under provision of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Michigan</strong> Freedom of Information Act [MCL 15.231 et. seq] I am<br />
request<strong>in</strong>g copies of <strong>the</strong> police report from <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g of March 5, 2011 on <strong>the</strong> collision at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>tersection of Garfield and 15 Mile Road, <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g myself and <strong>the</strong> person who rear ended my<br />
vehicle.<br />
If you determ<strong>in</strong>e that some of <strong>the</strong> requested <strong>in</strong>formation is exempt from disclosure, please detail<br />
what is be<strong>in</strong>g withheld and cite <strong>the</strong> exemption under FOIA.<br />
If fees to comply with this request exceed $10, please contact me at [list your phone number]<br />
As provided under FOIA, I would anticipate my request be<strong>in</strong>g filled with<strong>in</strong> five work<strong>in</strong>g days of<br />
receipt of this letter.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>cerely,<br />
Person seek<strong>in</strong>g FOIA document
What If You Have a Car Accident and It is Not Your Fault?<br />
<strong>Michigan</strong> has no-fault <strong>in</strong>surance laws which mean that your <strong>in</strong>surance company<br />
pays for your damages and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r party’s <strong>in</strong>surance company pays for his damages.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re are exceptions if <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>jured person has suffered death, serious impairment<br />
of a body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. If you are <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> an<br />
automobile or motorcycle collision and someone is <strong>in</strong>jured, it is best to consult an attorney<br />
immediately. There is one specific type of claim <strong>in</strong> no-fault <strong>in</strong>surance designed for <strong>Small</strong><br />
<strong>Claims</strong> <strong>Court</strong> known as <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>i-tort. This law states that where damages are not covered<br />
by <strong>in</strong>surance up to $500 (property damage, not physical <strong>in</strong>jury) to a motor vehicle or more<br />
than one motor vehicle. That is, every vehicle <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> multiple care crash may collect<br />
up to $500. (OAG 1985, No. 6286, p52). That is, each driver <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> a collision who is<br />
not 50% or more at fault may recover up to $500. The purpose of this m<strong>in</strong>i-tort is to allow<br />
owner of vehicles who have not <strong>in</strong>sured <strong>the</strong>ir vehicle with collision coverage to recover up<br />
to $500, and owners of <strong>in</strong>sured vehicles may recover <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>surance deductibles. The<br />
purpose of this law is to give owners <strong>the</strong> opportunity to recover fully <strong>the</strong> amount of <strong>the</strong><br />
deductible of <strong>the</strong>ir collision coverage and to assure <strong>the</strong> owners of vehicles without collision<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance <strong>the</strong> recovery of reasonable damages up to $500. Therefore, you get back what<br />
you had to pay out of your own pocket. The amount of damages will be determ<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong><br />
Judge on <strong>the</strong> basis of how much at fault each party is. The statute states whenever legally<br />
possible, <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>i-tort claims shall be brought <strong>in</strong> <strong>Small</strong> <strong>Claims</strong> <strong>Court</strong> (MCL 500.3135(4)). If<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r party removes <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>i-tort claim to <strong>the</strong> District <strong>Court</strong> and does not w<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Judge<br />
may assess costs to <strong>the</strong> los<strong>in</strong>g party. A decision of a court on <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>i-tort shall not be res<br />
judicata <strong>in</strong> any proceed<strong>in</strong>g to determ<strong>in</strong>e any o<strong>the</strong>r liability aris<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> same<br />
circumstance as to give rise to <strong>the</strong> claim brought under <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>i-tort provision (MCL<br />
500.3135(5)). This means that just because a Judge decides for one party on <strong>the</strong> issue of<br />
money damages, it does not mean that ei<strong>the</strong>r party is prevented from rais<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>r claims<br />
of liability <strong>in</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r court. For example, you might be <strong>in</strong> an automobile collision where<br />
you became permanently disabled and you had to pay <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>surance deductible on your car.<br />
So you sue for <strong>the</strong> amount of your <strong>in</strong>surance deductible and still have your claim for <strong>the</strong><br />
permanent <strong>in</strong>jury <strong>in</strong> Circuit <strong>Court</strong> regardless of <strong>the</strong> outcome on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>surance deductible<br />
claim.<br />
In order to w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> court, you will need a copy of <strong>the</strong> police report. If you do not have<br />
a copy of your police report, you may request a copy under <strong>the</strong> Freedom of Information Act.