If you have suffered a personal injury, and have decided to move forward with pursuing a lawsuit, then you have already made some really difficult choices and expect your case to go to trial. Sometimes, though, it is in your best interest to negotiate and come to a settlement agreement with the opposing party.
A settlement is a legally binding resolution between two parties about a legal case. A settlement agreement can be reached either before or after court action begins. Settlement agreements in a personal injury lawsuit should be discussed before it is filed and then revisited as evidence presents itself.
How Can Circumstances Help Determine if You Should Settle Your Case?
Every personal injury claim must be undertaken with the expectation that a court will hear your case. However, due to the expense, stress, or predictability of the case, a settlement agreement might be a wise option to consider.
Understanding that individuals who make up a jury have their own opinions and that those feelings can influence the outcome of your case is important. Therefore, while a jury’s decision may not be easy to predict, you have more control in negotiating and deciding the terms of your settlement agreement.
Another element to consider when discussing settlement is that documents and other evidence are kept private. When a case goes to trial, any documents or other items submitted as evidence become public records that anyone can access unless you request and the judge agrees to seal the record. If privacy is your main concern, a settlement agreement might be better for you because most details can be kept out of the public eye since most settlement agreements have a confidentiality clause.
When Should I Think About a Settlement?
Settlement negotiations can begin before a lawsuit is filed, after it has been filed, or even after the trial has started. Successful settlement discussions are the product of your lawyer’s immense preparation in planning your trial strategy.
More evidence linking the cause of your personal injury to the defendant can yield a more successful outcome for you. Determining when you have the most evidence and when the defendant is more likely to offer the best settlement possible is all part of your representation plan. Working with skilled attorneys who can navigate trial preparation and settlement negotiation tactics is paramount.
Can an Attorney Help Settle My Legal Claim?
The injury and accident attorneys at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are the best at understanding when to push for a trial and when to listen and communicate with opposing counsel to find the best settlement outcome for you. In addition, our attorneys understand that a lawsuit can be long and complex and that after an injury, it is your priority to be made whole and return to your normal schedule.
We are unafraid to take your case before a court if necessary, and we will always act in your best interest. Contact the professionals at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today to better understand how we can work for you.
