Why Most Personal Injury Cases End Up Being Settled Out of Court

Why Most Personal Injury Cases End Up Being Settled Out of Court

If you have suffered a personal injury and are looking to file for damages, you may recognize that this sort of thing often never reaches the courtroom. Why is that the case? There are actually a number of factors in play that relate to both sides of the suit.

Factors in Reaching a Settlement
First of all, reaching a settlement allows the defendant to avoid the situation becoming a public spectacle. Legal fees are also minimized. It is basically a way of performing damage control. It keeps a jury from awarding massive punitive damages or large pain and suffering penalties. This is especially true in cases where a jury could easily be swayed by sentiment.

However, a settlement if often good news for the plaintiff as well. First, the money is guaranteed. If the case goes to trial and the defendant wins, the plaintiff gets nothing. In a settlement, the plaintiff knows exactly what the payout will be. It also allows the plaintiff to get the money quickly as opposed a court case that may drag on for weeks or months.

As a result, it usually mutually beneficial for a settlement to be reached.

Why Seek Legal Help for Personal Injury Cases
An experienced personal injury lawyer is in the best position to get you a higher settlement amount. Plus, an experienced personal injury attorney will also know when a case should go to trial. As a result, you should never accept a settlement without discussing your legal options with an attorney. The personal injury lawyers at the Petrov Law Firm will be happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of a settlement in your case. We have the experience to help you maximize the settlement you receive.