OK I just think I figured something out. I have been reading up on Massachusetts laws. The first time they sued me I had a Judgment of dismissal from the court. It states
" Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant has any right of appeal from this judgment of dismissal. For good reason any party may file a motion within one year of this judgment, with notice to the other parties, requesting to vacate this judgment of dismissal"
Now I went on the Consumer Affairs site and found this, Read the last paragraph.
If you are unable to resolve your complaint through self-help or local consumer group mediation, you may wish to use the Small Claims Court. Known popularly as the people's court, this informal and inexpensive forum is designed to help you settle disputes of $2000 or less without the aid of an attorney.
An exception to the $2,000 maximum is made for property damage caused by a motor vehicle. If an action is one for which double or treble (triple) damages are per-mitted by law, the limit may be increased to $4,000 for double damages and $6,000 for treble (triple) damages. The law also provides for double or treble damages plus costs and attorney fees in certain landlord/tenant situations and actions brought under Chapter 93A.
If your claim is only slightly in excess of $2,000, you may still decide to sue for the $2,000 in Small Claims Court to avoid the costly and lengthy court battle in a higher court. If your claim is greatly in excess of $2,000 you may wish to retain the services of an attorney and sue in another court.
Note: Should you decide to use Small Claims Court, you will be precluded from bringing the same claim to any other court.
Does this mean that they had no right to file in district court this time? Does this mean they had to first have the judgment of dismissal vacated and then either continue in small claims or have it transferred to a civil docket?