Tollefsen Law is a Business, Bankruptcy, and Litigation Law Firm in Washington, Oregon, and New York.  
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Tollefsen Law PLLC

Business Law and Litigation


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  Seattle: (206) 624-5300  -   Everett: (425) 672-3300  -  Portland: (503) 224-4600
Los Angeles: (213) 401-2550 -  San Francisco: (415) 735-3400  -  New York: (212) 964-1960 
 
 

Should I sue?

Cost versus Collectability

It is very common to have an open-and-shut fraud case but no realistic remedies. Unless you want to waste money or just make a point for principle, the defendant must be solvent. Most defendants are not solvent. If they were, they would not have cheated you out of your money. If the case is to make financial sense, there must be a defendant who is a "deep pocket". Usually this defendant is not the perpetrator but a mostly innocent fellow-traveler. Examples include directors of companies, professionals, and employers who fail to keep a watch over the perpetrator.

A simple fraud case will cost over $10,000 in legal fees. If a vigorous defense is asserted the fees can easily exceed $50,000. It is not uncommon to spend over $100,000 to prosecute a fraud case. Often a clearly liable defendant will spend large sums in a non-meritorious defense. The plaintiff must also spend to respond to each defense motion and to each defense trial witness.

For smaller cases, you should consider small claims courts. They are limited in damages ($5,000 in Oregon and $4,000 in Washington) in damages. One advantage is that attorneys are not generally allowed. It is often wise to reduce your damage claims so you can use the small claims process.

  • Small Claims Courts in Oregon and Washington

  • Guide to Washington Courts

  • Fraud on Investors (Securities Claims)

  • Types of Cases Handled by Tollefsen Law PLLC


























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    Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

    About Certified Fraud Examiners

    Entrusting your case to a CFE is the sensible decision in financial fraud cases. More...

    Tollefsen Law Mission Statement

    Our Mission Statement

    .. to provide the highest quality legal service at an affordable price with integrity.. More ...

    Cases of Public Interest

    Cases of Public Interest

    Some of Tollefsen Law clients have had case followed by the press. More...

     
         
     
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