[header] How to seek compensatory damages [title] Consider hiring an attorney. [step] Some lawsuits for personal injury or loss of property can be handled in small claims court, where attorneys aren't necessary and in some states aren't even allowed. However, if you're filing a lawsuit in state or federal court for a more significant sum of money, you probably want to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. 
[substeps] Before you decide to use small claims, check the cap on damages for the court in your county. Some small claims courts have caps as high as $10 , 000, but many are considerably lower.