San Andreas, CA Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

Without knowing the time elapsed since the judgment, consider a motion to have the default set-aside. If it hasn't been more than 6 months the motion should be granted; see California Code of Civil Procedure 473 and 473.5. There are Judicial Council forms you can submit requesting that fees be waived by the court and for reasonable requests the court will almost always grant waiver requests. If you get the default set aside the plaintiff insurance company will likely be much more willing to discuss a lower settlement amount and payment schedule (ask them about executing a Stipulated Judgment). If you believe you have a good case regarding liability you can choose to defend the suit rather than negotiate a settlement but in any event you must get the default judgment set aside first. Good Luck.

I suggest that you contact a lawyer who has handled dog bite cases. That breed of dog is know for having violent propensities and it was clearly inappropriate to have that dog near your daughter. Your daughter will certainly have permanent physical scars and possible emotional ones. She is entitled to compensation.

In Michigan, fees are covered by court rule and statute. I know of no such rule or law that would give your attorney such an exorbitant fee. However, fees and costs could add up to a total larger that normal. Ask your attorney for an itemized statement of the proposed payout before you agree to any settlement.