As much as victims might wish otherwise, personal injury cases don’t just go away. On the contrary, they can quickly grow to a point of overwhelming magnitude if you don’t stay on top of them. That’s why it’s so important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An attorney will help find the perfect solution for your particular situation, based on the facts and figures of the case.
But if you’ve never been involved in any kind of legal proceedings, you may be hesitant to jump into something without any preparation. Worry not! Wayne Hardee Law is here to discuss some of the most common legal solutions for personal injury liability cases. The two primary outcomes of most personal injury cases are settlement and trial. Seeing as how settlements are statistically much more likely, we’ll start by discussing those.
Settlement
A settlement can be described as an agreement between the plaintiff (injured party) and the defendant (alleged at-fault party) to resolve the case without going to trial. Under these conditions, the defendant agrees to pay a certain amount of money to the plaintiff, typically by way of their insurance provider. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this solution, as you can see below:
PROS:
- Settling outside of court can prevent the time, money, and stress associated with trials.
- Trials can be rather lengthy, but settlements may be reached much quicker.
- A settlement guarantees a certain amount of money, while trial verdicts are never certain.
CONS:
- The plaintiff is likely to be awarded less compensation than they might through a trial.
- Defendants are not forced to publicly admit guilt
Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached for any reason, a case may go to trial. The process consists of presenting evidence and arguments before adjure or jury, which will then decide the outcome. Much like settlements, there are certain pros and cons to be aware of beforehand:
PROS:
- The potential for more compensation may be very attractive, especially in cases involving extensive property damage and costly medical bills.
- Public record will show the defendant’s guilt.
CONS:
- The verdict is always uncertain.
- Trials can be long and time-consuming.
Wayne Hardee Law: Legal Personal Injury Solutions
No matter how you choose to resolve your case, we’re here for you. It’s critical that you have access to sound legal advice and competent representation, in case your case goes to court. Here at Wayne Hardee Law, we strive to provide both. Schedule your free case consultation today to experience the Wayne Hardee difference!
