Many people think that the only way to recover compensation for their injuries is to go to trial, but that’s not the case. It’s estimated that only four to five percent of personal injury cases go to trial. The rest of these cases—about 95 to 96%—are settled outside of the courtroom. Should you accept a personal injury settlement or go to trial? Here’s what you should know before making this decision:
Length of Time to Resolve Your Case
A number of factors can affect the amount of time it takes to resolve your personal injury case, including whether or not your case goes to trial. It can take years to resolve your case if you choose to go to court, which means you will have to wait a long time to obtain compensation for your injuries. If you aren’t willing to wait, it’s best to try to reach a settlement instead. Reaching a settlement outside of the courtroom still takes time, but not nearly as much time as a trial.
Risk Your Compensation
If the insurance company is not offering you enough, your attorney may suggest taking your case to court. This is because plaintiffs often recover more compensation at trial than they do outside of the courtroom. But you must understand that compensation is never guaranteed. If you take your case to court, there is always a risk that the jury will not rule in your favor. It doesn’t matter how much evidence you have or how confident you may feel—there is no way to predict how a jury will respond to your case.
If you are not willing to risk your compensation, it may be best to accept a settlement. However, if the insurance company is not offering you enough to cover your expenses and losses, it may be wise to take your case to trial.
Stress Level
Taking a case to trial can be stressful—especially for victims who are still trying to adjust to their post-accident lives. Many personal injury victims choose to accept a settlement simply so they can avoid the stress of going to trial. Accepting a settlement allows these victims to close this chapter and move forward.
Every personal injury case is unique, so it’s best to talk to your attorney to determine which option is right for you.
If you have been injured, seek legal representation from attorney Martin Gasparian as soon as possible. Mr. Gasparian is an experienced personal injury attorney who has helped countless victims recover the compensation they deserve. Let him guide you through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 559-203-3333 or submitting your information at MaisonLaw.com.
