Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle?

Posted by Gregory M. Rada | December 24, 2022 | Firm News

Becoming injured by someone else’s negligence can make your life much more difficult. No one goes to the grocery store or a restaurant expecting to become injured. However, after a slip-and-fall accident or a car accident, you may suddenly find you are unable to take care of yourself like you were before. You may need assistance to get around, you may need to buy a new mode of transportation, or you may have medical bills piling up that you do not know what to do with. When this is the case, your next question might be: do I need to prepare to go to trial?

To Settle Or Not

You may be gearing up for a trial. After all, that’s what all the movies and TV shows tell you everyone does. The truth, however, is far less dramatic (and less entertaining!). The fact is, most people choose to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance and end up settling. Why is this? 

• It won’t take as long. When you work with a lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from a law firm like MartinWren, P.C., they will tell you that the shortest route to getting compensation will be a settlement. Choosing to go to court can take significantly longer, adding months or (in some cases) years to your injury lawsuit.

• You can save money. You may be thinking that the other party should pay your expenses, right? Depending on how the verdict goes, you may be liable for certain costs. Consider what it takes to go to court: you need legal fees, transportation fees, expert witness fees, court fees, and more. In addition, you are arguing that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. If the defendant loses, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries in addition to all of these fees. However, there is never a guarantee when it comes to going to court and you always risk the chance of paying these fees.

• You avoid stress. Going to court is not something you should take lightly. With the possibility of a lengthier case, more money spent, and trying to recover from your injuries, you may end up feeling worse because of all the stress this puts you through. Settling is a much simpler process and your lawyer will be able to help guide you through each step of the settlement.

• You have privacy. If you go to court, anyone can have access to your case because courts are public. If you value your privacy and wish to keep the people who know about your legal matters in a much smaller circle, settling will be a better option.

If you are looking for help with your personal injury claim and have more questions about settling or going to court, reach out to a local law firm you can trust. They can help answer your questions and discuss your options.