Make them answer for what they did.
A shove, a thrown drink, a threat, a minor altercation that left you with a damaged phone, a small medical bill, or a ruined night — when someone's conduct caused you a loss that fits your state's small-claims limit, you can pursue them for those damages without a lawyer. Just tell Eleanor what happened, and Squabble turns it into the right next step.
A civil assault or battery claim is a small-claims case for money after someone harmed or threatened you — separate from any criminal case, and aimed at compensating your actual losses. Squabble turns that into court-ready action — a custom demand letter, the file-ready document set, optional service of process, and support — without hiring a lawyer. Important: small claims is for losses within your state's limit (commonly $2,500–$25,000). A serious injury, or a sexual assault, is not a small-claims matter — those deserve a personal-injury or victims'-rights attorney (often at no upfront cost), and a crime should be reported to law enforcement. A civil filing does not replace criminal charges or a protective order.
You're not alone.
Most in-range claims follow a familiar shape. Find yours below — then tell Eleanor what happened, in plain English.
A shove or minor altercation
A push, grab, or scuffle that left you with a small medical bill or damaged belongings.
Property damaged in the incident
A phone, glasses, or clothing broken when someone got physical.
A credible threat with a cost
Threatening conduct that caused you a real, provable, in-range loss.
A bar or workplace dust-up
A minor confrontation where you're out of pocket for the fallout.
Medical costs in range
An urgent-care visit or modest bills from a minor injury.
A ruined event or night
Out-of-pocket losses from an incident that fits your state's limit.
If your losses fit the limit, the playbook is the same.
A minor injury, a broken phone, an urgent-care bill — when an assault or battery left you with damages inside your state's small-claims limit, the path to recovery looks the same. For a serious injury or a sexual assault, you deserve an attorney, not a small-claims form.
Not sure if it fits? Tell Eleanor what happened and we'll help you see whether it's small-claims sized — or point you to the right kind of help.
What happened was on them.
So is the bill.
When someone's conduct left you with a loss that fits your state's limit, civil small claims lets you recover it — separate from any criminal case. For anything serious, please talk to an attorney; you shouldn't have to navigate that alone.
From dispute to done — in three steps.
No forms to decipher, no lawyer to retain. Tell Eleanor what happened and Squabble takes it from there.
Tell Eleanor what happened
Answer a few plain-English questions about what happened, what it cost you, and whether it fits your state's limit.
We prepare your documents
Squabble generates a custom demand letter and, if you choose, the court-ready paperwork built for your jurisdiction.
Send, file, or settle
Put them on notice, file with the court, or move toward settlement — with support at every step.
Know your case before you spend a dollar in court.
These claims turn on the details — what happened, the losses you can prove, and any report or witnesses. The Case Brief (Custom) is a case-education and organization product that helps you understand your claim and prepare your materials, drawn from your complete intake.
- Attorney/Professor drafted*
- Know your case before you settle or appear
- Generated from your complete intake
* Ordering a Case Brief does not form an attorney-client relationship. It does NOT provide: (i) legal advice and (ii) any opinion on the merits of a case.
Case Brief
Available on its own or with any path.
Every claim starts with a free demand letter.
Tell Eleanor what happened and get a custom demand letter generated from your intake — no account, no payment. If you want to go further, you choose your path after you see your case: court-ready pressure, full filing, or dedicated support.
Start with Eleanor →Paid paths: Credible Threat $128 · File Now $238 · Dedicated Case Agent $398. Compare paths →
Free to start · ~6 minutes · Attorney-founded · No legal jargon
What backs up an in-range claim.
The more you document, the clearer your case. Gather these while it's fresh — and tell Eleanor what happened.
Know your rights — and your options.
Plain-English guidance after an assault or battery — what fits small claims, what to gather, and when to reach for an attorney.
How small claims works
What small claims court is, how a claim flows from filing to hearing, and what to expect.
Read the guide →Find your court & limits
Small-claims dollar limits and the right court vary by state. Squabble identifies your jurisdiction and venue automatically.
Check your state →Civil vs. criminal
Small claims awards money, not jail or charges. A civil claim is separate from any criminal case and can proceed alongside one.
Know the difference →When to call an attorney
A serious injury, large losses, or a sexual assault exceeds small claims and deserves a personal-injury or victims'-rights attorney — often at no upfront cost.
Know when to escalate →Deadlines & statute of limitations
Assault and battery deadlines are often short — commonly one to two years. Don't wait to find out.
Understand deadlines →If it was a crime or you're unsafe
A civil claim doesn't replace criminal charges or a protective order. If you're in danger or a crime occurred, contact law enforcement and local victim-support services.
Get the right help →Squabble is attorney-founded and attorney-supervised. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation; using Squabble does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, filing deadlines, and small-claims limits vary by state — verify the rules for your jurisdiction. This page is general information only.
Civil assault & battery FAQ.
Can I sue for assault in small claims court?
How much can I sue for?
What's the difference between a civil claim and criminal charges?
What if my injury is serious, or it was a sexual assault?
Do I need a police report to file a civil claim?
Do I have to send a demand letter first?
What evidence do I need?
How long do I have to file?
Just tell Eleanor what happened.
A few plain-English questions. Get your free custom demand letter and see whether small claims is the right next step.