Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

sued for house fire

I am being sued for a housefire that was not my fault, I have to have a pleading in legal form, to the circuit court, how do I write it. And what would be a good defense, this has happened 9 years ago, and they keep trying to sue me every couple of years.


Asked on 12/19/01, 10:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Press Chung & Press, P.C.

Re: sued for house fire

You may have defenses to this claim, but the only way you will effectively be able to defend yourself is to hire a lawyer. While General District Court is sort of user-friendly for unrepresented litigants, Circuit Court is not, and if you do not know the substantive law, the rules of procedure, and the rules of evidence, you will almost certainly lose.

One defense that immediately comes to mind, other than denying the facts as alleged, is that the statute of limitations may have run. But that depends on the circumstances, and without knowing the details I cannot say for sure. Again, see a lawyer ASAP.

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Answered on 12/20/01, 12:18 am
John Sawyer Sawyer & Azarcon, P.C.

Re: sued for house fire

You would be better off consulting an attorney. If the incident occurred nine years ago, the claim would be barred by the statute of limitations and you should include that in your response as a defense. You should still have an attorney assist you.

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Answered on 12/20/01, 10:50 am


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