In the event of judgment or award in a suit or claim against a third party or carrier:
(a) If the action or claim is prosecuted by the child or consumer alone, the court or agency shall first order paid from any judgment or award the reasonable litigation expenses incurred in preparation and prosecution of the action or claim, together with reasonable attorney’s fees, when an attorney has been retained. After payment of these expenses and attorney’s fees the court or agency, on the application of the department or the regional center, shall allow as a lien against the amount of the settlement, judgment, or award, the reasonable value of additional services provided to the child under the California Early Intervention Program or consumer under this division, as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 4659.12.
(b) If the action or claim is prosecuted both by the consumer or child and the department or regional center, the court or agency shall first order paid from any judgment or award the reasonable litigation expenses incurred in preparation and prosecution of the action or claim, together with reasonable attorney’s fees based solely on the services rendered for the benefit of the child or consumer. After payment of these expenses and attorney’s fees, the court or agency shall apply out of the balance of the judgment or award an amount sufficient to reimburse the department the full amount of the reasonable value of services provided.
(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 9, Sec. 14. (SB 74) Effective March 24, 2011.)