2026 Guide Louisiana 25 Dispute Types
Louisiana Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Louisiana's court rules, the $5,000 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$5,000
SC limit
$75–$150
Filing fee
City Court / Justice of the Peace
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Louisiana?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
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Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
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Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
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Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
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Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
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Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
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Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
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Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
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Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
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Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
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Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
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Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
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Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
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Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
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Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
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Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
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Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
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Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
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Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
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Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
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Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
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Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
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Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
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Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
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Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
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Louisiana Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name City Court / Justice of the Peace
Maximum claim $5,000
Filing fee range $75–$150
Written contract SoL 10 years
Property damage SoL 1 years
Oral contract SoL 10 years
Louisiana tip
Louisiana property damage claims have only a 1-year statute of limitations — act quickly.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Louisiana?
The small claims limit in Louisiana is $5,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the City Court / Justice of the Peace. If your actual damages exceed this amount, you can reduce your claim to fit within the limit or file in a higher civil court for the full amount.
How do I file a small claims case in Louisiana?
To file a small claims case in Louisiana: (1) get the plaintiff's claim form from the City Court / Justice of the Peace or its website; (2) complete it with the defendant's full legal name and address; (3) file at the courthouse and pay the $75–$150 filing fee; (4) serve the defendant; (5) attend your hearing with all evidence.
How long do I have to file a small claims case in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 10 years and for oral contracts is 10 years. You must file before this deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit. The clock starts from the date of the dispute or breach.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Louisiana?
Attorney representation rules in Louisiana small claims court vary. Most small claims cases are handled without lawyers — the simplified process and short hearing times make self-representation practical. If the amount is significant or the issues are complex, a brief attorney consultation before the hearing (not at the hearing) can help you prepare your case.
What happens if I win but the other party doesn't pay in Louisiana?
If the other party refuses to pay your judgment, you can use enforcement tools: wage garnishment, bank account levy, or a property lien recorded with the county. All require a Writ of Execution from the court. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest while unpaid. See our full Louisiana judgment collection guide for step-by-step enforcement instructions.