{"id":109084,"date":"2025-12-31T01:08:30","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T01:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/?p=109084"},"modified":"2026-02-21T01:57:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T01:57:35","slug":"lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Lien on Settlement Proceeds: A California Victim&#8217;s Guide to Protecting Your Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-hero dklaw-hero__blog align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"dklaw-breadcrumbs align wp-block-dklaw-breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\">Home<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide\/\" class=\"current\">Lien on Settlement Proceeds: A California Victim&#8217;s Guide to Protecting Your Recovery<\/a><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n\t{\n\t  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n\t  \"itemListElement\": [\n\t\t  {\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 1,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Home\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\"\n\t\t\t},{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 2,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Lien on Settlement Proceeds: A California Victim&#8217;s Guide to Protecting Your Recovery\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide\/\"\n\t\t\t}\n\t  ]\n\t}\n\t<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lien on Settlement Proceeds: A California Victim&#8217;s Guide to Protecting Your Recovery<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-hero__blog-meta align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog-meta\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-taxonomies align wp-block-dklaw-taxonomies\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/learning-hub\/?_topics=behind-the-law\" rel=\"nofollow\">Behind The Law<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/learning-hub\/?_topics=know-your-rights\" rel=\"nofollow\">Know Your Rights<\/a> <\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color\">Reading Time: 7 Minutes<\/p>\n\n<\/div><span>December 31, 2025<\/span><span>Elvis Goren<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1201\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide.jpg\" alt=\"a close-up view of a settlement check being cut up by scissors \" class=\"wp-image-109085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lien-on-settlement-proceeds-california-guide-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1201px) 100vw, 1201px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-toc alignfull wp-block-dklaw-toc\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar align wp-block-dklaw-toc-sidebar\"><div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-menu\"><h4 class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-toggle\">Jump To<\/h4><ul><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-card align wp-block-dklaw-card has-background has-primary-black-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">Every 4 minutes.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">On average, every 4 minutes someone picks up the phone and calls us for help. That kind of trust says everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-button-phone\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-yellow-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:7147903562\">714-790-3562<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__blocks align wp-block-dklaw-toc-blocks\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>What looked like a $100,000 settlement suddenly shrank to just $40,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You survived the accident. Fought through months of physical therapy. Waited forever for your case to settle. And now you find out that hospitals, insurance companies, and government programs all have their hands out, claiming a piece of money you thought was yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These claims are called liens. They can eat up 30% to 60% of your settlement before you see a dime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the thing, though. Liens aren&#8217;t set in stone. The amounts lienholders demand are opening offers, not final numbers. Skilled negotiation routinely cuts these demands by 20% to 50%. That difference goes straight into your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>California Civil Code 3040 caps health insurance liens<\/strong> at one-third of your settlement if you have an attorney, versus one-half without one. On a $100,000 case, that protection alone is worth $16,700.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Liens are negotiable.<\/strong> Medical providers routinely accept 25% to 50% less for immediate cash payment. Hospitals would rather have guaranteed money now than fight for uncertain money later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The &#8220;Common Fund Doctrine&#8221; forces lienholders to share your attorney&#8217;s costs.<\/strong> Since your lawyer&#8217;s work created the settlement they&#8217;re collecting from, they have to reduce their lien proportionally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government liens (Medicare, Medi-Cal) can be reduced using the Ahlborn formula.<\/strong> Federal law says these agencies can only take their <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/do-you-have-to-report-settlement-to-medicaid-california\/\">proportional share<\/a> of what the settlement actually allocated to medical expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Lien on Settlement Proceeds Actually Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s use an example. Sarah is 38. A graphic designer. She was crossing the street when a drunk driver hit her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emergency surgery. Ten days in the ICU. Three months of physical therapy. Total medical bills: $85,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her health insurance covered $35,000. The hospital provided $40,000 in treatment on a &#8220;medical lien&#8221; basis, meaning they agreed to get paid when her case settled. Eighteen months later, she settled for $150,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She figured after her attorney&#8217;s 33% fee, she&#8217;d walk away with maybe $90,000. Here&#8217;s what actually happened:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>What Happened<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Gross Settlement<\/td><td>$150,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Attorney Fee (33%)<\/td><td>-$50,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hospital Lien<\/td><td>-$50,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Health Insurance Subrogation<\/td><td>-$40,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Other Medical Liens<\/td><td>-$10,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sarah&#8217;s Net Recovery<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>She got nothing. Without skilled lien negotiation, the fees plus liens consumed every dollar of a six-figure settlement.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Types of Liens Can Attach to Your Settlement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medical Provider Liens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/california\/code-civ\/division-3\/part-4\/title-14\/chapter-4\/section-3045-4\/\">California Civil Code 3045<\/a> allows hospitals to place liens on emergency and ongoing care. The lien only covers &#8220;reasonable and necessary&#8221; charges, though. If a hospital bills $40,000 but charges uninsured patients $25,000 for the same procedure, the maximum lien is $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Health Insurance Subrogation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your health insurance paid for treatment, they can demand reimbursement. But<a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/california\/code-civ\/division-3\/part-4\/title-14\/chapter-3-5\/section-3040\/\"> California Civil Code 3040<\/a> limits this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>With an attorney: Maximum one-third of the settlement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without an attorney: Maximum one-half of the settlement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Government Liens (Medicare, Medi-Cal)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal programs automatically assert liens for benefits paid on your behalf. These follow federal law, which sometimes provides stronger protections than state law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Workers&#8217; Compensation Liens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you got hurt at work and received workers&#8217; comp benefits, your employer&#8217;s insurer can place a lien.<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&amp;sectionNum=3860\"> California Labor Code 3860<\/a> allows substantial reductions based on attorney fees and case circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Child Support Liens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Past-due child support can attach to your settlement. These come after attorney fees and medical liens, but before your own recovery.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does California Law Protect Your Settlement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Civil Code 3040: The Statutory Cap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/california\/code-civ\/division-3\/part-4\/title-14\/chapter-3-5\/section-3040\/\">This statute<\/a> puts hard caps on health insurance liens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you have an attorney<\/strong>, the insurer&#8217;s lien cannot exceed the lesser of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>The amount they actually paid, OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One-third of your total settlement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you don&#8217;t have an attorney<\/strong>, that cap doubles to one-half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a $100,000 settlement, the gap between one-third and one-half is $16,700. That&#8217;s why having representation matters financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Common Fund Doctrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even after applying the caps, insurers must reduce their lien further to account for attorney fees. Your lawyer&#8217;s work created the settlement fund. Lienholders who benefit from that fund should share the cost proportionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Your settlement is $60,000. Attorney&#8217;s fee is 33% ($20,000). The health insurer could demand up to $20,000 (one-third). But with the Common Fund reduction, they accept roughly $13,400 instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Federal Law Overrides California Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-funded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/general\/topic\/retirement\/erisa\">ERISA<\/a> employee benefit plans can escape California&#8217;s caps entirely through federal preemption. If your employer sponsors a self-funded health plan where the company pays claims directly from its own reserves, federal law governs. These plans aren&#8217;t limited by California&#8217;s one-third cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your health insurance documents. If it says &#8220;self-funded&#8221; or &#8220;self-insured,&#8221; ERISA probably applies. If it names an insurance company like Blue Cross or Aetna, California law protects you.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Lien Priority Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When multiple parties claim your settlement, order matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Attorney Fees and Costs<\/strong> (paid first, always)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prior Statutory Liens<\/strong> (hospital liens properly noticed under Civil Code 3045.3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical Provider Liens<\/strong> (up to 50% of net settlement after attorney fees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Insurance Subrogation<\/strong> (subject to 3040 caps)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government Liens<\/strong> (Medicare, Medi-Cal)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Workers&#8217; Compensation Liens<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Child Support Liens<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Your Net Recovery<\/strong> (whatever remains)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Strategies Actually Reduce Liens?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Made Whole Doctrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your settlement doesn&#8217;t fully compensate you for all losses, lienholders shouldn&#8217;t get paid in full either. Courts recognize this equitable principle in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Say your documented damages total $290,000, but you settled for $100,000. That&#8217;s 34% of your losses. After attorney fees, you have $62,000 left. Your health insurer demands $25,000. Under the Made Whole Doctrine, you can argue they should receive nothing or only a fraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ahlborn Formula for Government Liens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal law limits government liens to the proportional share of settlement actually allocated to medical expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Settlement is $100,000. Medical expenses were $40,000 of the total damages. Medi-Cal paid $50,000 but can only claim: ($40,000 \/ $100,000) \u00d7 $50,000 = $20,000 maximum. Then reduce another 25% for attorney fees under California Welfare and Institutions Code 14124.72. Final lien: $15,000 instead of $50,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lump-Sum Discounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical providers often accept 25% to 50% less for immediate cash payment. A hospital with a $50,000 lien might take $32,500 paid immediately rather than fight for the full amount over months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? Providers face uncertainty. Cash flow matters. Collection costs are expensive. $15,000 today beats $25,000 next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timing Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Negotiate two to four weeks before the settlement closes. Lienholders are most flexible when the deal could still fall apart. Once money is on the table, your leverage drops.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Example: $75,000 Case With Multiple Liens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Jennifer got rear-ended. Whiplash, herniated disc, two surgeries. Medical expenses: $48,000. Settlement: $75,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Initial Demands:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Health insurance: $20,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospital lien: $22,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workers&#8217; comp: $15,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attorney fee (33%): $24,750<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total: $81,750<\/strong> (more than the settlement)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After Negotiation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Health insurance accepted $13,400 (Common Fund reduction)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospital accepted $12,000 cash (reasonable charges were $18,000, not $22,000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workers&#8217; comp accepted $8,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jennifer&#8217;s Net: $16,850<\/strong> instead of owing $6,750. That&#8217;s a $23,600 swing from aggressive lien negotiation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Everything in Writing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No lien reduction is final until it&#8217;s documented. Verbal agreements are essentially unenforceable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A written Lien Satisfaction Agreement must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Exact dollar amount accepted as full satisfaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment timeline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full release and waiver language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signatures from authorized representatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your attorney should never distribute settlement proceeds until all lien satisfaction agreements are signed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Liens are a common part of the process, but they can often be addressed or adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between accepting liens at face value and negotiating aggressively can mean $20,000 to $70,000 more in your pocket. California law provides multiple tools: statutory caps, the Common Fund Doctrine, the Made Whole Doctrine, and the Ahlborn formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/how-to-protect-settlement-money-california\/\">protections<\/a> only work if someone actively advocates for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing substantial lien demands or are confused about how liens will affect your recovery, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. Lien negotiation is often where the most significant financial gains happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/contact\/\">Contact DK Law today<\/a> for a free consultation about your personal injury case and lien concerns.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-author align wp-block-dklaw-author has-text-color has-primary-black-color has-background has-tertiary-blue-background-color\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__block\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/elvis-goren-dk-law.jpg);\"><\/div><div><p class=\"dklaw-author__block-about\">About the Author<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-heading-serif\">Elvis Goren<\/h4><h6><\/h6><p>Elvis Goren is the Organic Growth Manager at DK Law, bringing over a decade of content and SEO expertise from Silicon Valley startups to the legal industry. He champions a human-first approach to legal content, crafting fun and engaging resources that make complex injury law topics resonate with everyday readers while driving meaningful organic growth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dklaw-author__social-icons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ca.linkedin.com\/in\/elvisgoren\"><svg width=\"17\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_5702_21335)\"><path d=\"M15.7416 0H1.25508C0.561133 0 0 0.547852 0 1.2252V15.7715C0 16.4488 0.561133 17 1.25508 17H15.7416C16.4355 17 17 16.4488 17 15.7748V1.2252C17 0.547852 16.4355 0 15.7416 0ZM5.04355 14.4865H2.52012V6.37168H5.04355V14.4865ZM3.78184 5.26602C2.97168 5.26602 2.31758 4.61191 2.31758 3.80508C2.31758 2.99824 2.97168 2.34414 3.78184 2.34414C4.58867 2.34414 5.24277 2.99824 5.24277 3.80508C5.24277 4.60859 4.58867 5.26602 3.78184 5.26602ZM14.4865 14.4865H11.9664V10.542C11.9664 9.60234 11.9498 8.39043 10.6549 8.39043C9.34336 8.39043 9.14414 9.41641 9.14414 10.4756V14.4865H6.62734V6.37168H9.04453V7.48066H9.07773C9.41308 6.84316 10.2365 6.16914 11.4617 6.16914C14.015 6.16914 14.4865 7.84922 14.4865 10.034V14.4865Z\" fill=\"#08368B\"\/><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_5702_21335\"><rect width=\"17\" height=\"17\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"form\" style=\"--bg-image: url(\/wp-content\/themes\/dklaw\/img\/dklaw-form-bg.jpg);\" class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-cta dklaw-cta-form alignfull wp-block-dklaw-cta-form has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-primary-black-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column dklaw-cta-form__bg-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading dklaw-cta-form__heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">DK <em>All the way<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-section__logos align wp-block-dklaw-logos\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"dklaw-logos align wp-block-dklaw-logos-repeater\"><div class=\"dklaw-logos__logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/form-award-1.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"NAOPIA Badge\"><\/div><div class=\"dklaw-logos__logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/form-award-2.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nation's Top One Percent Badge\"><\/div><div class=\"dklaw-logos__logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/form-award-3.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum Badge\"><\/div><div class=\"dklaw-logos__logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/form-award-4.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lawyers of Distinction Badge\"><\/div><div class=\"dklaw-logos__logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/form-award-5.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Badge\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-cta-form__subheading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">From Your Case to Compensation, we take your case <em>all the way.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"dklaw-form align wp-block-dklaw-form\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading dklaw-form__heading\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-form__subheading has-primary-green-color has-text-color\">Get Expert Legal Advice at <strong>Zero Cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<form id=\"dklaw-form\" class=\"dklaw-form__form\" role=\"form\" aria-label=\"Free Case Review Form\" data-redirect=\"\/ty\/thank-you\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-grid\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"firstName\">First Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"firstName\" name=\"firstname\" placeholder=\"First Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"lastName\">Last Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"lastName\" name=\"lastname\" placeholder=\"Last Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"email\">Email<\/label>\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"email\" name=\"email\" placeholder=\"Email Address\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"phone\">Phone Number<\/label>\t\t\t<input type=\"tel\" id=\"phone\" name=\"phone\" placeholder=\"Phone Number\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required minlength=\"14\">\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field dklaw-form__form-checkbox\">\n\t\t\t<input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"terms\" value=\"\" name=\"allow_texting\" aria-describedby=\"terms-note\" checked>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<label for=\"terms\" id=\"terms-note\">By checking this box, you expressly consent to receive calls, text messages, and emails from DK Law regarding your inquiry, including communications sent using automated technology. You authorize contact during or outside traditional business hours and even if your phone number appears on any federal or state Do Not Call registry. Your consent is not required as a condition of obtaining legal services <a href=\"\/terms-conditions\/\" style=\"text-decoration:none\" target=\"_blank\">View our Terms &#038; Conditions<\/a><\/label>\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"success__message\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"success__error\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field text-center\">\n\t\t\t<button type=\"submit\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button has-primary-yellow-background-color\" aria-label=\"Get Started\">Get Started<\/button>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__privacy\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"15\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M13.8389 2.81263C11.816 2.66105 9.9218 1.86947 8.48736 0.555789L8.11956 0.202105C7.97244 0.0673681 7.77014 0 7.56788 0C7.36559 0 7.16329 0.0673681 7.01617 0.202105L6.64837 0.555789C5.21393 1.86947 3.31973 2.66105 1.29681 2.81263C0.892223 2.84631 0.57959 3.14947 0.57959 3.52V5.55789C0.57959 9.8358 3.11744 13.8105 7.18168 15.9158C7.29203 15.9832 7.43915 16 7.56788 16C7.69658 16 7.82531 15.9663 7.95405 15.9158C12.0183 13.8105 14.5561 9.8358 14.5561 5.55789V3.52C14.5561 3.14947 14.2435 2.84631 13.8389 2.81263ZM11.3378 6.33262L7.29203 10.5095C7.16329 10.6442 6.94261 10.6442 6.81388 10.5095L4.20247 8.00001C4.07373 7.88211 4.07373 7.69685 4.20247 7.57896L4.84612 6.98948C4.97485 6.87159 5.15876 6.87159 5.28749 6.97264L6.74032 8.13475C6.86905 8.2358 7.07134 8.2358 7.20007 8.1179L10.1609 5.35578C10.2896 5.23789 10.4919 5.23789 10.6206 5.33894L11.2827 5.89473C11.4482 6.02947 11.4482 6.21473 11.3378 6.33262Z\" fill=\"#131314\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\"><span>Your Privacy, Our Priority<\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" id=\"ga4_client_id\" name=\"ga4_client_id\" value=\"\">\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t<\/form>\n\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section__small-padding-bottom dklaw-section dklaw-cta dklaw-cta-promise alignfull wp-block-dklaw-cta-promise has-background has-primary-white-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-primary-black-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">At DK Law we&#8217;re with you &#8211; <em>all the way.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-cta-promise__underline has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">Get a Free Consultation with our experts today!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-flex-end is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-button-phone\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-yellow-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:7147903562\">714-790-3562<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-white-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"#form\">Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Liens can take 30\u201360% of a California settlement, but medical, insurance, and government liens may be negotiable.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":109085,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Lien on Settlement Proceeds: A California Victim's Guide | DK Law","_seopress_titles_desc":"Liens can take 30-60% of your California settlement\u2014but they're negotiable. Learn how to reduce medical, insurance, and government liens by 20-50%.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"practice_area":[],"topics":[125,114],"class_list":["post-109084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","topics-behind-the-law","topics-know-your-rights"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109084"},{"taxonomy":"practice_area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/practice_area?post=109084"},{"taxonomy":"topics","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topics?post=109084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}