Settling Personal Injury Lawsuit Out of Court
If you have been injured in an accident and are considering a personal injury lawsuit you may be somewhat familiar with the process – accident, evidence, lawyers, court rooms, trial and compensation. But what about settlement? Most accident victims don’t consider settlement, yet the majority personal injury cases do not go to trial. Most are, in fact, settled out of court.
A settlement happens when both parties involved in the suit come to an agreement. The victim is offered compensation and the trial process can be avoided.
Knowing the ins and outs of the settlement process will help to decide if it is an option to consider. Either way, the decision always remains with the victim as to whether or not they will choose to settle. There are many reasons why it may be an option depending on the circumstances of case.
Trials are very time consuming. Appearing in court means time off work, travel expenses and hours of preparation. Some personal injury cases can take years to settle.
Trials are very unpredictable. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, and assessing the circumstances, evidence and witnesses, a good lawyer can usually tell how things will go in a settlement. When the case goes to trial, the outcome is in the hands of the judge and jury.
Trials are expensive and they take a long time, which means higher fees for lawyers, expert witnesses and specialists. A settlement reduces the amount of all of these expenses.
Settlement hearings are private, whereas, a trial is open and can be very stressful. Appearing in front of strangers, answering personal questions and sharing the details of your injury can be a huge strain for some.
Some may see accepting a settlement as taking the easy way out, but depending on the circumstances, it may be the best course of action. If you are considering legal action in a personal injury case, call us for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers will work with you to help you get the best outcome possible and maximum compensation, whether through settlement by going to court.
