HardLuck
Jan 24, 2008, 03:01 PM
Recently I've found myself in one of the toughest financial times of my life. My business went under, my marriage was on the rocks, and I found myself being sued for a frivolous claim for which I was clearly not in the wrong. The problem was I didn't have the resources to fight the suit at the time. After getting served, I met with a couple lawyers who all claimed they can easily defend the claim, but that I would need to place a minimum retainer of $25K. I didn't have the capital, but I also didn't have any real assets left to my name, so a colleague of mine had suggested I deal with the other pressing issues and my family, and not concern myself with the suit because I was basically judgment proof.
Ultimately, the suit for $100,000 became a judgment for $1,000,000 when I wasn't present in court to contest it. They claimed all kinds of damages. The people suing are unscrupulous, and crooked, and I would love to bring them to justice. They have threatened garnishing my bank accounts and wages. I will work and save enough to fight this, but don’t know what steps I should take if any.
Do I even have a claim to fight a judgment already issued against me, especially if I didn’t contest it during the 30 days following being served? I know it doesn’t sound like a very intelligent thing to do, but when I was going through everything, this suit was the least of my problems. Now, looking back, I realize I should have done something, anything to enter my argument. I only hope there is something I can work towards to get my life back. Thank you.
Ultimately, the suit for $100,000 became a judgment for $1,000,000 when I wasn't present in court to contest it. They claimed all kinds of damages. The people suing are unscrupulous, and crooked, and I would love to bring them to justice. They have threatened garnishing my bank accounts and wages. I will work and save enough to fight this, but don’t know what steps I should take if any.
Do I even have a claim to fight a judgment already issued against me, especially if I didn’t contest it during the 30 days following being served? I know it doesn’t sound like a very intelligent thing to do, but when I was going through everything, this suit was the least of my problems. Now, looking back, I realize I should have done something, anything to enter my argument. I only hope there is something I can work towards to get my life back. Thank you.