In a personal injury case, the term judgment refers to:
- The judge’s final decision on your case.
Simply put, a judgment is the end of your case. It tells you whether you’ve “won” and how much the other side has to pay you in damages. It brings some finality to the process, but there’s a lot that goes into it. To get help from the start, reach out to Maison Law’s California personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
What Does a Judgement Mean?
Like a lot of parts of the legal process, a judgement can mean a few different things. Specifically, though, the main thing it means is that your case is over. But there’s a bit more to it than that:
- A judgment comes only after the case has fully played out. That usually means the trial is over, or a settlement has been approved by the court, and there’s nothing left to argue about.
- Once the court enters a judgment, it carries real legal weight. The person or company found responsible is required to pay what the court ordered—it’s no longer optional or negotiable.
- In some situations, the other side may try to challenge the outcome. If they believe something went wrong during the case, they can ask for an appeal, which can slow things down while the issue is reviewed.
- Even with a judgment in your favor, payment doesn’t always happen overnight. There are times when additional steps are needed to actually collect the money, and that’s where having the right legal guidance continues to matter.
A judgment represents the conclusion of all the work that went into your case—investigating, documenting, negotiating, and presenting your story. Ultimately though, what it means is that you’re getting financial help for your losses. But this brings up a good question: how can I be sure that my judgement will cover everything?
How Can I Be Sure That My Judgement Covers My Losses?
Your case might be over once a judgement is issued, but that’s not necessarily the end of the story. There’s a process that comes after, and you’re probably wondering how you can make sure the judgement covers everything. The answer is by working with our team at Maison Law. When you go to court and get a judgement, we’ll make sure to:
- Track your damages, from hospital bills and ongoing medical care to vehicle repairs and other accident-related costs.
- Work with your medical providers to handle any liens and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Make sure that the other side is following the judge’s ruling—and that they actually pay you.
When you’re injured in California, our team focuses on making sure that your story is fully represented, and your financial needs are front and center. Reach out to set up a free consultation to learn more about the process.
