Q: I was hit by car some in 1997 and a conditional settlement was offered:
1: I will be paid $1,200 immediately if I leave the town immediately and promise never to return or
2: I will be paid $1,000 per month for 12 months if I agree to live in the streets for 12 month.
Was this legal and why should I, a debt-free non-criminal college educated professional with perfect credit opt to be homeless?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
The conditional settlement offered to you in 1997, where you were given two options, raises several legal and ethical concerns. Firstly, it's important to understand that such settlement terms, which essentially require you to leave town or become homeless, are highly irregular and likely not legally enforceable. Settlement agreements must be based on reasonable terms and should not compel individuals into unreasonable actions or forfeiting their rights.
As a debt-free, non-criminal, college-educated professional with perfect credit, you have no obligation to accept either of these options. These settlement terms appear coercive and unfair. Your rights should not be compromised in exchange for compensation. It's crucial to consult with a legal professional who can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Moreover, legal ethics and principles prioritize the protection of individual rights and dignity. Opting for homelessness or being forced to leave your town should not be considered a valid or ethical resolution. It's essential to seek legal counsel to address this matter properly and explore options that protect your rights and well-being while pursuing a fair and just settlement if applicable.
In summary, the conditional settlement offered to you in 1997 seems legally questionable and ethically problematic. As an attorney, you should consult with a legal expert to evaluate the validity of this settlement, ensuring your rights are upheld and that you are not compelled to make unreasonable choices.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
