being sued in civil from criminal charge

[tryingtoturnlifearound]

TX

I was involved in a fight and was charged with assault. I received probation and now the other party is trying to sue me in civil court for damages. As part of my probation, I was required to pay for their medical bills, but now they are trying to sue me for loss of wages, loss of livlihood, and punitive damages. I know the person is just fine now and can still work even though they claim they will be unable to for the rest of their natural life. I don't have any money, no job, and no way to pay for any damages or even a lawyer. I think any judgement against me can be deferred until I have a job or any assets. I made a huge mistake in getting involved in the fight and am trying so hard to turn my life around. I am afraid this one mistake could haunt me the rest of my life. Does anyone know I can do or what options I have? Please help!!!!

 

[JETX]

The criminal charge does not negate the victims attempt to recover civil damages from you. Other than the admissability of your criminal conviction, the two issues are not related.

Your only chance to prevent a civil judgment from being rendered against you is to put up a defense to their claims. However, it sounds like you are admitting liability, just not to the extent being claimed.

Some suggestions:
1) First and foremost, you are going to need an attorney. Get one.
2) The second issue is going to be damages claimed. The only way that you can defend against this is to either have your own medical testimony to counter what will surely be theirs. This is expensive. An alternative might be to try to videotape the 'victim' in his normal activities, hopefully showing that he is NOT injured as claimed. I do NOT recommend that you be the one taping, hire someone (a PI?) to do so or try to get a 'friend' to do it. Be sure to include the date/time on the tape.
3) Depending on your financial situation, talk with a bankruptcy attorney to see if this claim or judgment can be discharged in bankruptcy (some states exclude judgments).

Another expensive 'life lesson'.

 

[tryingtoturnlifearound]

Thanks for your advice. I am trying to find an attorney to help me. I have tried all the legal aid sources, without success.