Being injured in a car accident, construction accident, slip and fall, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, or any other accident can be life changing. You might find yourself sitting in a hospital bed for months on end as you recover. You might not be able to return to work right away after the accident and you might have months of rehabilitation ahead of you. The medical bills will pile up on top of your monthly expenses. If you decide to file a claim against the at-fault party, you need to know the pros and cons of negotiating a settlement and going to trial so you know exactly what is at stake.
The Pros and Cons of Going to Trial
Below, you will find the pros and cons of going to trial:
- The jury award could wind up being much higher than the settlement agreed upon with the defendant
- A trial is public, which means the defendant will be held accountable to the public
- A verdict could very well help you achieve closure with your case and what you went through
The cons of going to trial include:
- Since a trial is public, your story will be out there for all to see
- The trial process can wind up taking months to years to complete
- You may lose at trial and recover nothing
The Pros and Cons of Negotiating a Settlement
Below, you will find the pros and cons of negotiating a settlement:
- When you negotiate a settlement you will resolve your case more quickly than going to court
- The fees for your legal representation are lower
- Stress is lower when negotiating a settlement
- You control the results of the case
- You request the compensation you want
- Compensation is received within 30 days of the settlement being reached
- You can keep the results of the settlement private
The cons of negotiating a settlement include the following:
- The defendant named in the case does not have to admit fault
- Your story will not reach the public, which means the defendant will not be held accountable
- The amount of the settlement might be less than what a jury could wind up awarding you
Always Work with an Attorney
Whether you want to negotiate a settlement to your personal injury case out of the courtroom or have the case go to trial, you should always work with an attorney. An experienced attorney makes it easier on you when it comes to communicating with insurance companies, talking to witnesses, acquiring police reports, finding expert witnesses, and much more. An attorney will be able to fight for your best interest when seeking a settlement or going to trial.
Contact Roberts Law for an Appointment Today
Have you suffered an injury in any type of accident in Kentucky? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case as soon as possible. Call Roberts Law Office today at (859) 231-0202 to schedule a consultation. Our team will help negotiate a settlement on your behalf or represent you in court if the case reaches trial.