If you are injured, you might feel stuck between a rock and a hard place without legal advice. You might ask yourself “How am I supposed to move forward with my case?” If you have another attorney or insurance company offering to settle with you in court, you will have a lot of questions. This guide will help you determine if settling a personal injury case is the best option.
Settling a Personal Injury Case to Reduce Stress
One of the major challenges associated with a court case is the existing stress of the injured person. If your case takes days or weeks, you may be unable to work or care for your family. Plus, the testifying and evidence examination process brings even more stress.
If you choose to settle your case, you can easily avoid the stress of going to court.
Settlements Provide Privacy
One major concern surrounding court cases relates to after the case ends. Specifically, at the end of each court case, all documents have the potential of becoming public. Most people do not want their medical history-making headlines or social media. If you are embarrassed about the potential release of court documents, a settlement may be a better idea.
Settlements Are a Win
If you are at risk of losing your court case, your personal injury attorney may advise you to take a settlement. You may not have all the evidence you need to prove the negligence of another party, so the settlement they offer you may be more than you would win in court. Sometimes, a settlement ensures you receive something rather than lose the potential for recouping your losses completely.
Settlements May Provide Less Money
While a settlement is technically a win for you, you may actually be entitled to more money as a result of your injury. The other party may offer you less than you deserve. If you experienced an especially severe injury, you need to compare the cost of the settlement with your medical bills, lost wages, and potential future disability linked to the accident. You will not be able to recover additional funds after accepting a settlement. On top of these damages, the defendant might have to pay punitive damages. However, the awarding of punitive damages depends on the type of injury and the defendant’s actions.
Settlement Save Time
Even if you have never been to court before, you might know that litigation takes a long time to settle legal issues. In fact, personal injury lawsuits can take up to three years to complete, whereas you can have your settlement much sooner. For many people, settlements are more affordable as well. Many people simply don’t have the financial resources or time to dedicate to an entire personal injury trial.
Settlements Don’t Take Everything Into Account
Typically, lawyers base settlements on financial and physical losses, like lost wages and the costs of medical care. If you deal with pain and suffering as a result of the injury, the settlement may not take into account those considerations. If emotional pain and suffering play a role in your case, a court case could be the best choice.
Settlements Require Care
No matter how much money another individual offers you, you should always consult with a personal injury attorney before you settle on what they have agreed to pay. No decision related to your personal injury case is easy, but fortunately, you can count on professional attorneys to help you through the process of settling a personal injury case.
As you can see, many good points exist for each side. The Galligan Law Firm is a personal injury law firm that understands your goals as you approach your personal injury case. If you are unsure of whether you settle your case, give us a call. We can examine your case and ensure you receive a fair settlement or help you take your case to court.