How do I file a lawsuit against someone in another state?

Question

I live in Michigan, the company is in Virginia. I dont really want to go to Virginia to file a lawsuit because I would have travel expenses then. I talked to a buddy and he said you can file in your state and they will make the defendant come to Michigan. I stayed at travelodge and my computer was stolen and the owner wouldnt let me or the police see any of the security footage since the cop determined there was no forced entry into my room since my room was on the 3rd floor. He told me I lost my key so I asked him how did I get into my hotel room then? He's now calling me a liar and that I never stayed there in May and that I'm drunk. I'm 19 and wasnt drinking in front of the cops but I have the police report and everything else that says I was there in May

How do I get this guy served and make him come to michigan courts?

Thanks

Answer 1

Call a lawyer. They will be able to advise you best. I do know that the lawyer you hire will have to be able to practice law in whatever state the suit is actually filed in.

Answer 2

I was sabotaged by a law firms attorney and by the judge presiding over the case.the lawsuit was against a wealthy person so his insurance company was footing the bill for all the legal expenses.the case was in the court for a year and I never went to trial.i believe it was an insurance scam,ivelieve the judge was being paid off..the way my case was handled by this judge definitely points to a pay off.between the lawyer and judge.I contacted several offices that dealt with the law,and they were not helpful.I picked up legal forms today ,I want to file a tort case.there are a lot of people involved in this situation,i don't want to get into the case through e-mail it is complicated and lengthy.to have to try to e-mail all the issues in my cse.how do I file a lawsuit out of state?.

Answer 3

If this is over no more than $3000, then file out the form at http://www.courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/smallclaims/dc84.pdf, follow the instructions, and when it comes to having the person served: "You may do this by registered or certified mail or by having a process server hand the form to the defendant (personal service). If you choose to use mail, the court clerk will send it for you for the appropriate fee." If he does not come, "a default judgment may be entered...for the amount stated in item 7 including the costs of this action", which means that you win.

If it is more than $3000, hire a lawyer.

Answer 4

I agree with those who have answered "talk to a lawyer". I sued someone in a different state (it was not a company, but an individual) several years ago. I got referrals from a local lawyer to a lawyer that practiced law in this individual's state and then that lawyer did everything. We did all our discussions over the phone and when things had to be signed, etc, we did that through the mail. If we had had to go to court, I would have had to travel to the state, but my lawyer was able to get the individual to settle, so I never had to leave home. Maybe your lawyer can do the same. Good luck!

Answer 5

You need a lawyer. Under the facts stated it would be doubtful you could force someone to come to Michigan. You were in Virginia; thus all contacts would be in Virginia. You could probably sue in Virginia, if you have a case. You need to bring what you have to a lawyer for review. There are special rules for diversity of citizenship and lack of personal jurisdiction and that is why you probably cannot sue in your State of Michigan.

Answer 6

Wow! I would call the district court in that area and try to find out how it works. Most of the time you have to file a complaint, but I can't see the trial being held in Michigan! That sucks! Good luck.

Answer 7

If a company is doing business in Michigan, they can be sued in Michigan.

If an incident took place in Michigan, any arising lawsuits should be heard in Michigan.

And yes, you should get a lawyer.

Answer 8

Repeat after me "I need a lawyer, I need a lawyer, I need a lawyer!" Yahoo Answers is a great place to get general answers to general questions. It is the WORST place to get specific legal advice. Go see a lawyer.

Answer 9

In general if a corporation does business in a state they can be served there...just get your attorney to take care of it.

Answer 10

You can't sue because your computer was stolen. You can press criminal charges and get the video tape - maybe a staff member stole it, which often happens especially in fleabag hotels.