Many personal injury cases settle before they go to trial, but sometimes it’s necessary to make your case in court. Before you decide to reject a settlement offer and go to court, you should know exactly what you are getting into. Our Monmouth County catastrophic injury attorneys can answer your questions and tell you more about what to expect once you’re in the courtroom.
Will I Get More Money If I Go to Trial?
Many people decide to make their case to a jury when the defendant won’t settle because they believe that they could get more money that way. This is a possibility. The jury could award you far more than you would have settled for and you could even receive punitive damages.
However, this is not the only way for your case to end. You could be awarded far less than expected. You could also lose your case. This is why it’s really only a good idea to go to trial when your lawyer advises you to.
Can I Still Settle If the Trial Begins?
As the trial goes on, negotiations can continue. You may find that the opposition is more willing to settle once they see how parts of your case have played out in court. If the defense thinks that things are not going to go their way, the defendant could be persuaded to settle before an even larger verdict is handed down. Your lawyer can communicate with other involved parties and negotiate on your behalf throughout this entire process.
What Can Make a Trial More Likely to Go My Way?
There are no guarantees when you go to trial, but there are some factors that can influence your case and make it more likely that you’ll find success. Some elements you’ll want to consider include:
Evidence: The more evidence that you have, the more convincing your case to the jury will be. Your lawyer can help you secure useful evidence like safety records, surveillance footage, or the testimony of expert witnesses.
The severity of your injuries: The more severe your injuries are, the easier it can be to argue that you should be paid significant compensation. Your lawyer can talk about your prognosis and your road to recovery, and then they can back that up with testimony from medical professionals.
Likability: We would like to think that the law is completely impartial, but likeability and sympathy can certainly play a role here. Jurors are human, and if they like the plaintiff and feel for their struggle they could be more likely to award damages.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident and you want to learn more about your legal options, contact the Wilton Law Firm. We can schedule a free case consultation and tell you more about what a lawyer can do for you in this difficult time.
