When you get hurt and sue for damages, our Washington D.C. injury attorneys can help you negotiate for fair compensation. Sometimes these discussions go back and forth for a while, but they end up ultimately being successful. An agreement is reached and a settlement gets awarded to a plaintiff. This isn’t always how things go though, so you should be prepared for the possibility that your case to go to trial.
Is it Rare for a Personal Injury Case to Go to Trial?
It is actually quite uncommon for a personal injury case to go to trial. Most cases get settled before that point. Arguing a case in front of a judge and jury is going to cost more money and take more time. Plaintiffs and defendants alike usually don’t want to do that, but sometimes a settlement just cannot be reached outside of a courtroom. That’s when it’s time to let a jury decide.
What Can Affect Whether My Case Will Go to Trial?
There are a few factors that can make it more or less likely that your case will go to trial. Any of these things can complicate matters:
The evidence: If you have solid evidence that’s hard to refute, your case is probably more likely to settle. A lack of evidence can make a defendant think it’s better to gamble on their fate at a trial.
Disagreement about fault: It can be difficult to negotiate a settlement when there is a disagreement about who is at fault for the accident.
The involvement of multiple parties: An accident that involves multiple potentially liable parties can be difficult to settle.
Disagreement about damages: Sometimes it’s clear who is at fault, but the parties cannot agree on how much in damages is fair.
When Should I Consider Going to Trial?
There are times when a plaintiff does want to go to trial. If it looks like your case might have to be settled in a courtroom, it’s important to think about a few things. Consider:
- What kind of settlement offer is on the table
- How strong your case is
- If you and your loved ones can handle a trial and the stress it brings
- The advice of your attorney
If you think that your side of the story is far more believable and that you can get more money from a verdict, going to trial may not be a bad idea.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or trying to convince a jury of your version of events, a lawyer from our firm will do everything that they can to support you. We will help you gather evidence, prepare for testimony, and hold all liable parties accountable. If you have to go to trial, we’ll be there to advocate for you and argue for the kind of compensation that you deserve.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Proving negligence and fighting for fair compensation on your own can be difficult. Contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC to schedule a consultation with our team. We want to hear more about your case, then we’ll tell you about your legal options and what a seasoned personal injury lawyer can do for you.
