TIL most small claims filings never actually go to trial, the judge said mine was a 2% case

After my landlord fight in Phoenix last spring, the court clerk told me something like 98% of these cases settle or get dropped before a hearing, so I spent $75 plus two days off work for something the judge basically waved through in 4 minutes, has anyone else found that stat hard to believe from the inside?

1 comments

1 Comment

caseys3010d ago

My filing fee was $89 and the clerk literally laughed when I asked how long the wait was. She said "honey, you're more likely to get struck by lightning twice than see a trial here." Spent 6 months chasing a contractor for $1,400, and we settled in the hallway for $700, so I basically paid to lose money and gain a story. That 2% figure makes me wonder if anyone under 50 actually gets their day in court or if it's just a myth they tell us to feel better about the fees.