Most people do not anticipate ever having to file a lawsuit or having a lawsuit filed against them. That can make it difficult to be prepared financially if you are on the losing side. You do have options, though, if you lose a lawsuit but are unable to pay the amount you owe to the other party in one lump sum. One question you may want to ask an attorney is, “Can I use a legal payment plan to make the lowest monthly payments for a lawsuit?” And the answer to that most likely depends on the facts of your case.
A conversation with a lawyer is a way you can figure out the details of the law in your area and how they apply to you and your case. You may have options for paying your lawsuit when you cannot do so in one lump sum. Let someone with legal knowledge help guide you in the right direction so you can move forward confidently.
Payment Agreements Are Possible
It is best, and preferred, for a defendant to pay the lawsuit in one lump sum. That is not always possible, though. In the case that you cannot make the full payment at one time, it is important to set up an agreement on how you plan to pay. You can face wage garnishment, legal action, or other harsh consequences if you do not pay the lawsuit or do not meet the agreed-upon minimum payments. It is critical that you find a way to pay what you owe to the other party in the lawsuit if the judgment was against you.
Here are two payment options you can use:
Reasons for a Lawsuit Can Vary Greatly
There are many reasons that a person may want to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit is a way for someone to get justice for a wrong that was committed against them. You can file a lawsuit for personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and more. These cases can be against an individual, a company, a landlord, a product manufacturer, or an employer. Here are some examples of incidents that could prompt a lawsuit:
● Dog bites
● Car accidents
● Slip and fall
● Breach of contract
● Preventable death
● Trucking accident
● Debt collection
Of course, this list could go on for much longer. There are millions of civil cases going through state courts each year, according to the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). That means your situation is something a lot of other people have gone through. You do have options. The McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. knows what it means to owe money from a lawsuit settlement or court case. You can speak with our team to discuss the details of your lawsuit and how much you owe. We can answer your questions and help you find solutions to pay your debt.
Expenses Covered by a Lawsuit
When someone files a lawsuit, it means they are in need of money for expenses from an accident or whatever incident that happened to prompt the lawsuit. They could also file a lawsuit for money already owed. In the case of personal injury lawsuits, for example, the money that is being pursued can cover many kinds of expenses, including:
● Medical bills
● Lost wages
● Diminished earning capacity (for when the victim can no longer earn the same amount of money that they did before the incident)
● Property damage
● Emotional distress, pain and suffering, inconvenience
These are very real costs for the victim of an accident. And though the person who is ordered to pay may agree that the victim deserves compensation, that does not mean they have the money readily available. There are times when a payment agreement is the best option for both parties.
Call Today to Begin Your Case
In 2019, Pennsylvania saw over 150,000 civil cases processed, according to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. You are not alone. David McKenzie of the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help you with legal questions and guidance. If you find yourself in need of filing a lawsuit or having just lost one, you can talk with our team to learn more about your circumstances.
David McKenzie can answer questions, including “Can I use a legal payment plan to make the lowest monthly payments for a lawsuit?” Once you sign on as a client, you can contact your attorney through email, phone, text, or other means. You always have someone to talk to. Call us today to get your questions answered at (610) 991-7219.
