Things get Complicated in Small-Claims Court

So, things are getting more complicated in the case of the Honda hybrid owner who took her case to small claims court rather than dealing with the often frustrating and little to no payout that often comes from class action lawsuits.

A California Superior Court Commissioner delayed a ruling this week on her case for more consideration after what he called “a media blitz on this case.”

The woman, anxious to get through with the case and not wanting to waste the court’s time urged the commissioner to resolve the matter. However, the commissioner wanted to take in all of the evidence from both sides because, as he said, “These are serious issues affecting more people than just you.”

The case, which has gone on longer than most small claims court actions, goes against the grain. Rather than take this case the class action route, the woman wanted to just get what was owed to her rather than deal with a prolonged process that would result in a “proposed settlement by Honda with thousands of car owners that would give each owner $100 to $200 and a $1,000 credit on the purchase of a new Honda.”  In the class action scenario, the lawyers on the case would have walked away with the lion’s share of the settlement.

The woman, a former lawyer, has used the internet as a way to reach out to other owners of the problem cars and encourage them to take their cases to small claims court, too. 

The case could have pricey implications on Honda - if all owners of the cars that have not earned their promised fuel economy won in small-claims court, it could cost Honda $2 billion.

The Commissioner is taking the matter under submission and is expected to have a ruling by February 11 – the deadline for individuals to opt out of the class action case.