Until final and not appealable, a cause of action for personal injury is exempt without making a claim, although it is subject to a lien (CCP 708.410). After settlement or final judgment, the award is exempt upon filing a claim to the extent necessary for the support of the judgment debtor and the spouse and dependents of the judgment debtor. The award is not exempt against a judgment creditor who is a health care provider whose claim is based on providing health care for the injury for which the award or settlement was made. If the award is payable periodically, the amount that may be applied to satisfaction of a money judgment is the same as may be withheld pursuant to an earnings withholding order. (CCP 704.140)