This way, you can avoid having to pay extra expenses until your last day in court. Both the settlement and the trial have their advantages and disadvantages. An agreement can provide certainty, reduced costs, privacy, and more control over the outcome. However, it can result in lower compensation, limited recourse options, and uneven bargaining power.
Conversely, a trial can result in higher compensation, set legal precedents, create public accountability, and offer the right to appeal. However, it can be time-consuming, costly, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. It should be noted that the trial process is likely to begin more than one year after the filing of the initial lawsuit. Therefore, there is a one-year waiting period to go to trial.
Even when it comes to fairly simple personal injury cases, the entire process can take three or four years. This includes the period from the filing of the lawsuit to the award of the judgment. In addition, even after one party wins the trial, the legal justice system allows the other party to appeal. The appeal of the decision is made in a higher court. This means that even if the plaintiff receives an important jury award, the defendant can choose to appeal the decision.
When appealing, this suspends all the money the defendant must pay to the plaintiff. This further prolongs the uncertainty surrounding another court decision on the plaintiff's award. Settlements are significantly faster than a personal injury trial. On average, a liquidation will take three to six months to complete. On the other hand, a test takes twice as long to complete.
Settlements are often faster, more efficient, less costly, and less stressful than going to court. When it comes to negotiating a deal, you're in the driver's seat. You and your personal injury lawyer have the option of accepting or rejecting any settlement offer made to you. You also have the option of negotiating a better deal. In a trial, you must accept the judge or jury's decision.
If you were involved in a car accident and are not sure if you need to reach a settlement or go to trial, contact an attorney experienced in Helping The Hurt.