Judgment Collection
It's the end of a lawsuit and congratulations, you've won!
Often your next question is: "Now what?"
Many judgments include a money award, indicating the amount of monetary damages the defendant must pay to satisfy their obligation. Money awards can include damages, costs, prevailing party fees, interest, and attorneys fees. But what recourse do you have if the defendant simply refuses to pay?
Many attorneys, especially those you have to pay hourly, handle civil claims through to judgment, but their representation may likely be limited in its scope and not include collection activities after winning your case, so once a verdict is returned and the post-trial matters are finished your attorney may be finished, too. When that happens, you can be left in the lurch with a big bill to your former lawyer, a piece of paper stating you're owed an award, and in a tight financial spot.
Recouping funds from the opposing party is rarely an easy or simple matter. Some parties may try to hide assets to avoid paying judgments, while others may simply not have adequate available funds in the first place and be forced in bankruptcy.
When you're stuck in this situation, you need to get help to understand your options. Wage garnishments, levying bank accounts, placing a lien on real property and personal property, and foreclosing on securities can all be useful tools when trying to collect on a judgment.
While these cases can be handled on an hourly basis, it often makes sense to take collections cases on a contingency fee. In those situations, we only collect a fee if we're able to collect on your judgment.
If you've won a judgment but have not been able to collect, contact us for a consultation.
Often your next question is: "Now what?"
Many judgments include a money award, indicating the amount of monetary damages the defendant must pay to satisfy their obligation. Money awards can include damages, costs, prevailing party fees, interest, and attorneys fees. But what recourse do you have if the defendant simply refuses to pay?
Many attorneys, especially those you have to pay hourly, handle civil claims through to judgment, but their representation may likely be limited in its scope and not include collection activities after winning your case, so once a verdict is returned and the post-trial matters are finished your attorney may be finished, too. When that happens, you can be left in the lurch with a big bill to your former lawyer, a piece of paper stating you're owed an award, and in a tight financial spot.
Recouping funds from the opposing party is rarely an easy or simple matter. Some parties may try to hide assets to avoid paying judgments, while others may simply not have adequate available funds in the first place and be forced in bankruptcy.
When you're stuck in this situation, you need to get help to understand your options. Wage garnishments, levying bank accounts, placing a lien on real property and personal property, and foreclosing on securities can all be useful tools when trying to collect on a judgment.
While these cases can be handled on an hourly basis, it often makes sense to take collections cases on a contingency fee. In those situations, we only collect a fee if we're able to collect on your judgment.
If you've won a judgment but have not been able to collect, contact us for a consultation.
