What Is the Limit for Regular Claims Court in Hawaii?

When you’ve been wronged, whether through a personal injury, property damage, or breach of contract, you may wonder if you can resolve your case without a lengthy and expensive lawsuit. For many Hawaii residents, regular claims court offers a simplified legal process for smaller disputes. But before you file, it’s important to know whether your case qualifies and how the claim limits work.

Understanding the difference between small claims court and regular claims court in Hawaii, including the dollar limits for each, can help you determine the right path forward. In this guide, we’ll explain the claim limits, what kinds of cases qualify, and why you might still benefit from working with a Hawaii personal injury lawyer, even for lower-value claims.

Regular Claims Court vs. Small Claims Court in Hawaii

Hawaii’s legal system separates lower-value disputes from more complex civil litigation by offering two types of limited jurisdiction courts: small claims court and regular claims court (also known as District Court – Civil Division).

What’s the difference?

• Small Claims Court: For very simple cases with a monetary limit of $5,000 or less. Designed to be fast, informal, and often without attorneys.
• Regular Claims Court (District Court Civil): For cases involving $40,000 or less. More formal than small claims, but still more streamlined than Circuit Court litigation.

Regular claims court allows more flexibility and legal complexity than small claims court. While you’re not required to have an attorney, the stakes are often higher, especially in cases involving personal injuries, insurance disputes, or multiple parties.

What Is the Monetary Limit for Regular Claims Court in Hawaii?

The monetary limit for regular claims court in Hawaii is $40,000. This means you can bring a lawsuit in District Court Civil if the total amount you’re seeking in damages does not exceed $40,000.

If your claim exceeds that amount, you will likely need to file in Circuit Court, which has broader jurisdiction and handles more complex litigation.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Small Claims Court: Claims up to $5,000
• Regular Claims Court (District Court Civil): Claims over $5,000 and up to $40,000
• Circuit Court: Claims exceeding $40,000

Keep in mind that this limit includes all compensatory damages you are seeking, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but does not include interest or court costs.

Types of Cases That Fall Under Regular Claims Court

Regular claims court in Hawaii is designed for moderately sized civil disputes, including some personal injury claims, property damage, and financial disagreements. It strikes a balance between the informality of small claims court and the complex procedural rules of higher courts.

Common examples of cases that fall within the $40,000 limit include:

• Minor car accidents with limited medical expenses
• Slip and fall injuries on residential or commercial property
• Dog bite injuries with moderate medical treatment
• Breach of contract claims between individuals or small businesses
• Damage to property caused by negligence or intentional acts

If your injury or damages are relatively minor and well-documented, regular claims court may provide a more cost-effective way to pursue compensation, especially if your total losses fall within the jurisdictional limit.

When a Personal Injury Claim Qualifies for Regular Claims Court

In Hawaii, some personal injury cases can be filed in regular claims court, provided the total value of your damages is less than or equal to $40,000. For example, if you were injured in a low-speed car crash that resulted in $12,000 in medical bills and a few days off work, your case might fit within the court’s monetary limit.

However, if your injuries are still being evaluated or you expect long-term complications, it’s risky to file before fully understanding the extent of your damages.

You should consult a Hawaii personal injury lawyer before filing if:

• You are still receiving medical treatment
• You anticipate future medical costs or lost wages
• You are unsure how to calculate non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering)
• You may be entitled to punitive damages, which are not recoverable in District Court

An attorney can help you determine the total value of your case and whether it’s appropriate to file in regular claims court or seek higher compensation through Circuit Court.

Advantages and Limitations of Regular Claims Court

Like any legal forum, regular claims court in Hawaii has its pros and cons. While it offers a faster and more accessible way to pursue smaller claims, it may not be the right fit for more serious injury cases or high-value losses.

Advantages:

• Simplified procedures compared to Circuit Court
• Lower filing fees
• Faster case resolution
• Suitable for straightforward cases with limited damages

Limitations:

• Damage cap of $40,000
• Limited ability to pursue complex claims or punitive damages
• May require self-representation unless legal representation is specifically permitted
• No jury trials (all trials are bench trials decided by a judge)

If your case involves long-term medical issues, multiple liable parties, or allegations of gross negligence, it’s often better to pursue your claim in a higher court with the assistance of a skilled attorney.

What If You File in Regular Claims Court but Your Damages Exceed the Limit?

If you initially file in regular claims court but later discover your damages exceed $40,000, you have a few options:

• Voluntarily limit your claim to $40,000 to remain in District Court. This means you waive any right to additional compensation.
• Amend your complaint and refile in Circuit Court if the court agrees the damages are likely to exceed the limit.
• Consult an attorney to review your case and determine the best forum based on updated medical records or expert evaluations.

Filing in the wrong court can delay your case or jeopardize your right to full compensation. That’s why understanding the Hawaii small claims court limit and regular claims court limit is critical before initiating legal action.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Regular Claims Court?

While regular claims court is designed to be more user-friendly than higher courts, that doesn’t mean legal guidance isn’t helpful. In fact, having a knowledgeable Hawaii personal injury lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success, especially in cases involving:

• Disputed liability
• Insurance company negotiations
• Personal injury claims with unclear medical prognosis
• Legal defenses from the other party

A lawyer can help prepare your complaint, gather evidence, assess your damages accurately, and represent you during hearings or settlement discussions. Even for smaller claims, strong legal support can make a big difference in the outcome.

Final Thoughts on Hawaii’s Regular Claims Court Limit

If you’re considering filing a personal injury or civil claim in Hawaii, understanding the dollar limits of each court system is essential. Regular claims court offers a practical path for recovering up to $40,000 in damages, but it may not be the right choice for every case. Before you decide how to proceed, take the time to assess your losses and speak with a legal professional.

Contact a Hawaii Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Whether you’re pursuing a claim in small claims court, regular claims court, or Circuit Court, it’s vital to understand your options and protect your rights. An experienced Hawaii personal injury lawyer from Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner can help you determine the best legal route based on the value of your case, your injuries, and your long-term needs. 

Call (808) 518-2604 today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue justice, no matter the size of your claim.