Personal Injury Claim: Settlement Vs. Court Verdict

When you file a car accident, medical malpractice or personal injury lawsuit in court, there’s more than one way the case can end (-). Many people decide to pursue the case up to the end, when the court issues its verdict on the compensation and damages. There are advantages to all your options. Your lawyer will be able to advise you accordingly, so it is important that you stay well informed to ensure you make an educated decision.

If you have a strong case, it is recommended you wait for the court to make its verdict. The reason is simple – the court is likely to award the amount you are asking for in terms of damages and compensation. If the defendant is offering a lower settlement than you need to cover lost wages, property damage and cost of medical treatment and therapy, it’s a good idea to push the case forward and hope the court will issue a favorable ruling.

The downside of waiting for the court verdict is that there are no guarantees. Even if you have a strong case, you never know what the court will rule. The court may award a lower sum than what you asked, or less than what the defendant offered. Also, the defendant can always dispute the outcome and file an appeal, which they can win. During the appeal, the initial court award may also be reduced. Besides, the appeal means that you must wait longer to get the funds you need to cover your living expenses and medical costs. Even after the initial ruling has been upheld, the defendant may still drag their feet in making payments.

Settlements are always tricky. That is why you need to consult widely and take your time before making any decisions. In fact, you should consult not just your -, but also other attorneys, friends and relatives. This will help to ensure you can make the right choices for your case.

The beauty of settlements is that most defendants will offer a huge settlement if you have a strong case. If the offer provided by the defendant is significant enough, you should consider settling.

Also, the quoted amount of money in the settlement is guaranteed. The moment you accept the offer and sign the necessary documents, you can expect to get the money quickly. This means you can take care of your medical needs and living expenses, without having to wait for the court verdict and appeals process. In addition, agreeing to a settlement will save you a great deal of pain. After all, the court may rule against you. When presented with both options, it is crucial that you consider all the pros and cons, and consult widely before making a decision.

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