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Knowing When to Settle a Personal Injury Case

Whether you have been hurt at work, while playing a sport or in a car crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. In some cases, compensation may be awarded by a jury at the end of trial. However, it may also be possible to settle the case instead. How do you know when it is in your best interest to settle without going to court?

You May Be Partially Liable

If you think that you may have contributed to your injuries, it may be best to settle as opposed to spending time and money going to court. This is because a jury may decide that you were mostly or fully liable for your injuries. In some states, you may not be able to collect anything if you are deemed to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Therefore, it is best to use whatever leverage you have to get a deal that closes the matter for both sides without a lot of publicity.

The Other Side Will Give In Easily

It is possible that the other side in your case will give in to your demands without a lot of fuss. This may occur if the evidence clearly shows that another party was at fault for causing your injuries. It may also be more likely if the party at fault was a government agency or major corporation. Ideally, it would be better to make the matter go away even if you get more than that entity would like to pay.

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You Want a Timely Resolution to Your Case 

If you want your case to be resolved in a matter of weeks or months instead of years, it is generally a good idea to push for a settlement. Your attorney can draw up settlement documents relatively quickly, and you can determine whether the terms of any deal being offered are worth taking. Therefore, you have plenty of control over whether or not the matter is resolved within your preferred time frame.

You Weren’t Hurt That Badly In the Accident

Talking with Jones Firm personal injury attorneys may be a good idea no matter if you suffered a major injury or just a minor scrape. However, if you only receive minor injuries, it may be best to settle. It is unlikely that you will win a large financial award at trial, and any amount that you do win could be offset by legal and other fees. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to resolve the matter with the other party to get reimbursed for actual damages.

Personal injury cases can be complex matters that may take a while to resolve. While you have every right to take your case to trial, it may not always be the best solution. Those who may have contributed to their injuries or who want a quick resolution may be more inclined to settle and put the matter behind them for good.