Introduction
When pursuing a personal injury claim, you may hear the terms “settlement” and “verdict.” Understanding the differences between these two outcomes is crucial in making decisions to maximize your compensation. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of settlements and verdicts, highlight how experienced lawyers at The Law Office of Gary Bruce can help secure better results, and discuss how insurance company tactics and your response to them have a role in your options. Good settlements happen when insurance companies know you are ready and prepared for trial. Looking for settlements only is not a strong position for an injured party.
Settlements
A settlement is an agreement to resolve the case made between the parties, usually before a verdict is reached.
Pros of Settlements
Control: With a settlement, you have more control over the outcome, as it involves negotiating an agreement between the parties involved.
Time and Cost: Settling a case can save significant time and money compared to going to trial.
Privacy: Settlements allow you to keep the details of your case private, avoid public exposure, and involvement of family and colleagues.
Cons of Settlements
Potential Undervaluation: Without careful negotiation and legal guidance, settlements may undervalue your claim, leaving you with less compensation than you deserve.
Limited Room for Appeals: Once a settlement is reached and accepted, you generally waive your right to pursue further legal action against the responsible party.
When a Lawyer Can Help with Settlements
An experienced personal injury lawyer can play a vital role in maximizing your settlement, especially when you wish to avoid going to court. They bring several benefits to the negotiation process:
Legal Expertise: Lawyers understand the nuances of personal injury law and can accurately assess the value of your claim.
Negotiation Skills: Skilled attorneys know how to advocate for your rights, effectively negotiate with insurance companies, and counter tactics aimed at minimizing settlements.
Insurance Company Knowledge: Lawyers experienced in personal injury cases have dealt with insurance company lawyers and adjusters, enabling them to navigate traps and tactics such as delays, unwarranted denials, unnecessary expenses, and unfair offers.
Trial and Litigation Experience: Lawyers with trial experience can leverage their knowledge of the courtroom to strengthen your negotiation position, demonstrating a willingness to go to trial if necessary.
Verdicts
Verdicts are the written decision of a court or jury about how the case should be resolved.
Pros of Verdicts
Potentially Higher Compensation: Verdicts awarded by a jury or judge may provide greater compensation than what the insurance company was initially offering in a settlement.
Legal Precedent: Verdicts set legal precedents and may influence future personal injury cases, helping shape laws and regulations.
Cons of Verdicts
Uncertainty: Going to trial involves uncertainty, as the outcome depends on the judgment of the jury or judge.
Time and Costs: Trials can be delayed, lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining for all parties involved.
See What Gary Bruce Says About the Difference between Settlement vs. Verdict on Legal Break
Gary Bruce, a local personal injury attorney in Columbus, Georgia, helps to distinguish settlements and verdicts in a recent episode of Legal Break on WTVM’s local news show. Gary Bruce weighs the pros and cons of settling your case or going to trial. He emphasizes how experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Gary Bruce can help navigate insurance company tactics, so you receive fair compensation for your injuries with a settlement or when necessary, a trial. Gary Bruce’s insights shed light on the differences between the two processes and the importance of seeking legal help for your case. Click this link to watch the video: https://www.garybrucelaw.com/video/wtvm-legal-break-settlement-vs-verdict/
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between settlements and verdicts is crucial in personal injury cases. While settlements provide control and efficiency, verdicts offer the potential for higher compensation but involve uncertainty and increased costs. The Law Office of Gary Bruce has a wealth of experience in personal injury law, litigation, and dealing with insurance companies’ tactics. Sometimes trials are needed after insurance companies do not negotiate in good faith. It is always necessary that the insurance company knows you are ready and prepared to go to trial. Contact us to discuss your case, understand the progress made by your lawyer, evaluate adjuster tactics, and explore your options for negotiation or trial. Our expertise ensures that you have the best chance of receiving a just result.