What can I do if I’m being sued for more than I made in the last 2 years?

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What can I do if I’m being sued for more than I made in the last 2 years?

My dog had gotten out and bit a woman, now I got served paperwork and they are asking for $15.000 plus costs. I made less than $7,000 this year in total. The paperwork states the plaintiff believes I own my home. I do not own I rent. The car I drive is not even mine. What can happen here? Do I need to get a lawyer? I cannot afford one. Would it be better to show up without a lawyer?

Asked on February 15, 2017 under Personal Injury, Illinois

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

If you can afford it, it's always better to have an attorney, and investing in an attorney can save you money down the road by getting you a better outcome. If you simply cannot afford an attorney, you are allowed to represent yourself "pro se". If you do, make sure to file an "answer" to the complaint within the time frame and to make any/all court dates--otherwise you will lose by default (basically forfeiting). To bear in mind:
1) She can't simply ask for and get any amount she feels like; she is only entitled to the monetary costs or losses she can prove (like out of pocket medical expenses; lost wages from missing work); and also for long lasting (typically months or more) disability, disfigurement, or serious life impairment, some amount for "pain and suffering."
2) If you lose in court and are ordered to pay more than you can possibly afford, filing bankruptcy may be an option; bankruptcy works on debts from court judgments like this.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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