Texas Wrongful Death Attorney J. Gonzalez
by Benjamin Treviño | May 27th, 2025 | Auto Padestrian, Blog, News
What happens when a defendant in a civil case can’t pay a judgment?
When a defendant asserts they don’t have the money to pay a wrongful death or personal injury judgment, the case essentially becomes a debt collection matter.
In this phase, the plaintiff becomes known as the judgment creditor, and the defendant becomes the judgment debtor.
The judgment creditor has several options to attempt to collect the debt. These include:
- wage garnishment
- bank account levies, and
- securing liens on property.
In some cases, the creditor might also initiate a debtor’s examination. Here the defendant is questioned about their assets. If the defendant refuses to cooperate during a debtor’s examination, they could be found in civil contempt, potentially leading to jail time until the debt is paid.
The defendant is not allowed to dispute the debt or raise arguments about the creditor’s judgment. The exam is limited solely to how the judgment creditor can collect the judgment amount from the debtor.
The judgment debtor can avoid a debtor’s examination by:
- paying the judgment off in full
- making alternative payment arrangements with the judgment creditor, or
- filing bankruptcy, if they are eligible.
Talk to J. Gonzalez
If you believe someone’s negligence caused the death of an immediate family member, but you’re concerned they don’t have the money to pay a settlement if you pursued one, don’t give up.
The experienced wrongful death attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can explain the process and examine any and all options you might have for obtaining compensation for your loss. It won’t cost you anything to sit down and talk with us, and you won’t owe us anything unless we get the results you deserve.
Don’t lose hope. Contact us now via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Pharr brothers argue they cannot pay $80 million wrongful death judgment
By: Benjamin Treviño
EDINBURG — An $80 million wrongful death judgment hangs in limbo. A jury on May 22 found defendants Alex and Orlando Castillo negligent in the death of eight-year-old Caleb Ramirez. The boy died April 26, 2024. He was riding his bike when he was struck by a truck driven by Alex Castillo whoi was 16 at the time and did not have a license to drive.
The truck was owned by Alex’s older brother Orlando who allowed the younger brother to use the vehicle.
During closing arguments, the older brother expressed regret for the incident and said her could not pay the judgment.
“I am sorry for what happened; it was not something intentional,” Orlando said. “I just want to say sorry from the bottom of my heart. I wish this had never happened. I got no money to offer to you.”
Alex also testified during closing arguments.
“I know I is a rough time, but I don’t know how to say this, I am sorry for what happened. It was an accident,” Alex said.
Ray Thomas, the attorney for Caleb’s parents, told the jury that the family deserves closure for the loss of their son.
“After ten years, [the Castillos] will get their credit back,” Thomas said. “After 10 years, Sonia and Joe will not have Caleb back.”
It was not immediately clear when the case would move to a debtor’s examination.
