Wisconsin Independent Businesses: Small Business Wants Small Claims Limit Raised

October 20, 2005

A significant increase in the small claims court jurisdictional limit will provide a significant increase in justice on the Main Streets of Wisconsin. That’s why Wisconsin Independent Businesses enthusiastically supports Assembly Bill 680, legislation authored by Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) to double the small claims court jurisdictional limit to $10,000.

“There is a void in legal land in 2005 if you business is owed between $5001 and $10,000. The amount is too large for small claims court and too small to make it attractive or practical for an attorney to file a circuit court lawsuit for that amount,” says Wayne Corey, executive director of WIB.

“The business can kiss the money goodbye or reduce the claim to $5000, file for that amount in small claims court and wave goodbye to the remainder of the money. Neither is a happy option and neither provides justice,” Corey added.

WIB has 27 years of experience in helping business owners prepare for small claims court litigation. We provide information and assistance on filing small claims court lawsuits. We also help individual members prepare for mediation and court appearances through our association with the Boardman Law Firm of Madison. WIB believes that this significant proposed increase in the small claims court jurisdictional limit will provide a significant increase in justice for small Wisconsin businesses.

“As the cornerstone of American life, justice should not be delayed or denied because budgets are too tight or judges and court commissioners are too busy. The people of Wisconsin expect our court system to dispense justice and AB 680 assures justice for people who deserve justice. Raising the small claims court jurisdictional limit to $10,000 is the right thing to do,” Corey concluded.

Note: The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections & Privacy will hold
a joint hearing on AB 680 with the Assembly Committee on Judiciary
at 10am Thursday, October 20 in Room 411-South of the Capitol.

. More info: Wayne Corey 608-255-0373 or 800-362-9644
wcorey@wibiz.org