Personal injury claims come about when you, the plaintiff, have been injured, and you believe someone else, the defendant, is responsible. If you have decided to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you should know what potential outcomes may arise.
Table of Contents
Settling Out of Court
Before we dive into what could happen after a trial, we must discuss the possibility of settling outside of court. This outcome is often ideal because it allows both parties to avoid an extended, emotionally exhaustive trial and instead come to an agreed-upon settlement.
Settling doesn’t guarantee that all parties will leave the situation happy, but it is often less financially and emotionally taxing than going to trial.
Winning Your Case
If you decide to pursue a trial, and the court rules in your favor, there are a few things you should know.
Monetary Compensation
The most common outcome from a personal injury trial is monetary compensation for the injuries you suffered. Juries may award money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other expenses. The amount awarded can vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the defendant’s level of negligence, and the financial resources of both parties.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, juries may also award punitive damages. These are damages that are meant to punish the defendant for their negligent or reckless behavior. Punitive damages are usually only awarded when the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional.
Structured Settlements
When plaintiffs are awarded a large sum of money, they may be given the option to receive their monetary compensation in a structured settlement. Instead of a lump sum, a structured settlement provides the plaintiff with a monthly payment for a predetermined time or their lifetime. This may be an ideal option for plaintiffs who need ongoing financial support.
Losing Your Case
While it’s not the outcome anyone hopes for, losing a personal injury trial is a possibility that you should be aware of.
Being Liable for Court Costs
If you lose your case, there is a good chance the judge will hold you liable for the legal fees of the defendant. This is the most common financial punishment for losing a personal injury trial.
Appealing the Verdict
If the verdict is unfavorable, plaintiffs have the right to appeal their case. However, successfully appealing a personal injury case is rare because to do so, the plaintiff must prove that the judge made a significant error.
Conclusion
When it comes to personal injury trials, there is no one-size-fits-all outcome. There are a lot of factors to consider, including the severity of your injuries, the defendant’s financial resources, and the judge or jury you end up working with. However, with a deep and nuanced understanding of the personal injury legal system and the potential outcomes, you can go into your trial prepared and confident in your decision to pursue justice.