Settlement or Trial: Who Decides in Personal Injury Cases?

You have tried everything in your capacity to be safe anywhere you find yourself, but there is still no guarantee of safety. That is because you cannot prepare for the other person, and their negligence can cause you harm. If this happens, Illinois law gives you the right to pursue a claim for compensation against the individual.

Meanwhile, you can pursue a compensation claim in two ways: through settlement negotiations or a court trial. Whatever approach you choose to take, retaining an Illinois personal injury attorney is essential to get the best outcome. The lawyer will typically give you distinct merits and considerations of both approaches, which this pose will expound on.

The Settlement Approach

If you opt for the settlement approach, the negotiations will occur between your legal representation and the at-fault party or insurance company. Settlement is often less time- and money-consuming when compared to a court trial. The efficacy of this approach explains why over 90 percent of personal injury cases in Illinois are resolved through settlements.

The essence of settlement negotiations is to help the parties involved to reach a compromise, an agreement that works for everyone. That is, it must leave the victim fairly compensated for their emotional distress, injuries, and medical bills, among other things. Therefore, retaining an attorney with great negotiation skills is essential as they will ensure no stone is left unturned. More so, a good personal injury lawyer will carefully assess the merits of the case, obtain irrefutable evidence, and accurately calculate the compensation.

The Trial Approach

The trial approach is typically longer and costlier, but it is the best approach for receiving maximum compensation. There are certain instances where a trial is non-negotiable, including when the liability is being contested. Situations where liability can be contested, include when the defendant is refusing fault or they are offering inadequate settlements.

This approach involves both sides presenting their evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments before a jury or judge, unfolding the problem. Experienced personal injury attorneys have adequate litigation skills to present convincing and compelling evidence to argue their case. Furthermore, with their client’s cooperation, they build a solid case that can withstand gross scrutiny, fervently defending their clients’ rights.

Balancing the Pursuit of Justice and Reasonable Resolution

In deciding the best approach between trial and settlement, a personal injury attorney plays a critical role. They are responsible for balancing expediency and the pursuit of justice to know the right avenue to follow.

On the one hand, settlement means the much-needed reprieve after an accident comes more quickly. This is particularly of benefit to victims who are struggling with lost income and paying their medical bills.

On the other hand, “Trial is typically a longer process, but can potentially lead to higher compensation than a settlement.” says Attorney Ronald Wittmeyer of The Law Offices of Rf Wittmeyer.

Conclusion: Where a Personal Injury Attorney Comes In

Retaining an Illinois personal injury attorney is beneficial due to the multifaceted roles they play in the case. These roles include providing crucial legal counsel, the potential results, pros and cons of the two approaches, and helping victims understand their cases. The guidance of a personal injury attorney is essential to empowering victims to make informed decisions relating to their cases.

Furthermore, personal injury lawyers have the legal acumen to examine the weaknesses and strengths of a personal injury case. They can accurately discern the optimal course of action – that is, settlement for swift compensation or trial for maximum reparation.