Adding Damages

[mabuta]

My question involves small claims court in the state of: California

My small claims court date is approaching soon. Since filing of the original claim, there have been more damages pertaining to the suit. Can I request the judge hearing the case to review these damages and add them to my claim or do I have to follow another procedure and amend my suit? Also, can I add lost time from work?

Thanks in advance!

[jk]

why are there additional damages?

[Conrad Hunter]

You can not add lost time from work generally. If you are suing for an action in negligence and the defendants negligence caused you to miss work, such as you were in the hospital due to the defendant, then yes you can. If you amend your complaint, you will delay the case. Small claims is informal, so if you win, worry about that first, then you can present evidence of your total damages for the court to consider. The key is to know the law on liability and have a clear presentation and evidence for the court the consider.