What Could Happen

[jamhunt]

What is the name of your state? NC
Theoretical situation, but will help me understand my options and necessary actions to be taken before the trial. "If I lost a Civil Case in District court for $13,000 (can the plaintiff include att fees in his claim) and then made appeal to the Court of Appeals, which I lost also. What would be the options for the plaintiff to collect on his judgment? And what would the consequences include if I cannot pay the judgment?

 

[racer72]

Yes, lawyer fees can be included. Your lucky, North Carolina does not allow wage garnishments for civil judgments. You could have bank accounts garnished. You could have property siezed. This will have a big negative impact on your credit if you ever want to buy car or house. It could result in being denied a job. If you truly do not want to pay, and have other financial issues, file for bankruptcy. Otherwise this could be a headache that will follow you around for at least the next 20 years.

 

[jamhunt]

Conclusion

It appears that my best interest would be to go ahead and settle before the the case goes before court. I have just received a summons and was debating whether or not to ride this one out. The plaintiff has agreed to settle for 3,500 and att fees. It is obvious that my best option would be to settle now. Thanks for the quick repsonse.