Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Personal Injury

A child at my son's birthday party in a home I rent ran through the sliding glass doors after repeated warnings to stay away from them. I have no money and no renters insurance. The parent has already served my landlady's insurance but now wants to sue me. I cannot afford an attorney and have no real assets except my car and personal items of clothing and furniture. What can I do?


Asked on 6/09/09, 3:13 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone-Molloy The Lion's Law Office

Re: Personal Injury

If you are sued, you should dig deep and hire an attorney. If you truly cannot do so, then you will have to defend yourself "in pro per." How to do that is beyond the ability of this website to advise you. That's why I say, find a way to hire a lawyer if you are sued!

P.s. It's very unlikely that the kid's attorney has an interest in you personally. Once it's clear that you have no assets or insurance, he will probably lose interest.

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Answered on 6/09/09, 2:18 pm
Brian Dinday Law Offices of Brian R. Dinday

Re: Personal Injury

I agree with the prior post that the attorney will probably lose interest once he realizes that you have no insurance, no assets or savings he can take. But how long he plays with the case before that point may depend on you.

I agree you need an attorney to help you do this. But the strategy I usually use in this situation is to give the other side a signed statement of assets, a balance sheet of property owned and liabilities, sign and date it. It is what he needs to know to drop your case as a "dry well."

Do NOT discuss the actual accident with him though. Just give the balance sheet. Good luck.

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Answered on 6/09/09, 2:25 pm


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