Law

Personal Injury Lawsuit in Tacoma: Should You Settle Out of Court or Go to Trial?

blond woman shaking hands with worker in neck brace and arm bandage over table in office, compensation concept

The majority of personal injury cases are settled without going to court. Involved parties may prefer to settle because of the benefits it brings. They want to avoid the stress associated with trials, particularly if they are still recovering from their accident injuries that resulted in a personal injury lawsuit. 

However, a successful lawsuit can get the injured victim awarded bigger damages by a jury than an offer from the insurance company. Although this is not guaranteed, getting maximum compensation relies on a lot of factors associated with a case’s circumstances. If you have a personal injury case after being injured in a negligent-based accident, you need a Tacoma personal injury lawyer to represent you either in settlement negotiations or at trials. Your attorney will consider factors such as the strength of your case and the settlement amount you are being offered. They will examine other factors to determine how to best approach your situation.

Why You May Want to Settle Your Case Out of Court

Court trials are risky. A judge or jury may present evidence or the defendant may appear the decisions, which could cost you more resources and time. Settling your personal injury claim with the responsible party or their insurer is a private matter while trials are a matter of public record. Also, a settlement is permanent, which means cannot be appealed. It is usually in the best interests of all parties involved.

But sometimes, settling may not be best for you. This is possible when your injury is particularly serious or if the negligence of the defendant is insufferable. In this case, the stakes are beyond a monetary amount.  

Why Go to Trial?

Going to trial can have you getting a higher financial reward than the insurer’s settlement offer if a jury rules in your favor. The jury will determine your award based on the severity of the case and the justice you deserve. However, the defendant could appeal the decision, dragging your case even longer. Also, trials will require serious pieces of evidence to convince the jury that you deserve significant compensation. But as long as you have a skilled attorney by your side, you have a greater chance of getting a positive outcome from your case. Just ensure you hire an attorney with extensive experience in personal injury lawsuits and litigation. This lawyer will assess your claim and advise you if you should pursue a personal injury lawsuit.