Q: Recently found out I was a victim of fraud loosing around $20k.
The US Department of Justice convicted the persons responsible and ordered them to pay back the funds. I know I may get little or nothing back. Is it worth the trouble to file a personal lawsuit or try to put a lien on anything they may own to try and recover the funds?
A: I am assuming the fraud arises from some kind of oil and gas investment you made. When I am asked about these kinds of cases, the first thing I do is review the documents you were given and that you may have signed and discuss the facts with you in order to determine whether you have a valid claim. Next, I do some background research on the potential defendant to see if they have sufficient assets to pay a judgment. Once you know whether you have a valid claim or not and whether the defendant can pay you damages in the event of the judgment, you will be in a better position to determine whether a personal lawsuit would be worthwhile. On the other hand, if the Department of Justice has already ordered them to make restitution, you probably would not get any more by filing a personal lawsuit.
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