If you were hurt because of the negligence of someone else, you deserve compensation for your expenses and other damages. If you do not want to go to court, you can opt to settle. There are different pros and cons to settling your case that you should think about before you decide what to do. Here are some things to consider before you make your decision to proceed either way:
A Settlement Is Less Complicated
A settlement out of court is easier than going through the court system. You will not experience the anxiety and stress of dealing with the court. Settlements are also less labor-intensive. Your lawyer will work with the negligent party to decide the terms of your settlement and communicate with you how things are progressing. If you do not like the terms of the settlement, you can then move your case to court.
You Will Likely Get an Award
When you reach a settlement, you will likely get some payment for your case. If you go to court, you are taking a chance on possibly not getting any money at all based on the decisions of the judge and jury.
Your Settlement May Not Be What You Desire
If you settle your case, you may not get as large a settlement as you think you deserve. You and your attorney should come up with a settlement amount that you both believe is fair. More than likely, the negligent party will counter the amount you ask for. If this happens, you will have to negotiate with the attorney of the other party until you both reach an amount you are comfortable with. Your final amount may not be what you had in mind.
The Terms of a Settlement Are Private
A court case and the results of the case are a matter of public record. The final outcome of your settlement agreement remains private and cannot be accessed unless you put the details out into the public yourself. If your case involves sensitive subject matter, or if you have a public persona and you do not want the details of your case in the media, a settlement is a better option. The amount of money you receive in a settlement is also private.
There are several things to think about if you choose to settle your personal injury case. Be sure to think carefully about the different benefits and drawbacks before you make a final decision. Contact a personal injury lawyer to learn more.
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