ABA Family Legal Guide

Personal Injury

The Basics of Personal Injury Law

Will I have to take any extra steps to get my money?

Maybe. An award of damages does not necessarily translate into hard cash, especially if the person who caused your injury does not carry insurance or is underinsured. You may have to take further legal steps actually to collect the money. For example, if a defendant against whom you have won a judgment does not pay it, you may have to initiate collection proceedings. If the defendant owns property, you may be able to foreclose on it. Another option would be to garnish the defendant's wages. Your lawyer will be able to help you in this regard.