Many personal injury cases do not go to trial, but sometimes making your case before a judge and jury can become a necessity. Our Queens personal injury attorneys can tell you more about the potential pros and cons of going to trial, and they can advise you about whether it’s your best option.
What Should Be Considered Before Going to Trial?
Taking your case to trial is a big decision. It’s important to know exactly what you are getting into. You should consider:
- How time-consuming a trial could be
- How unpredictable juries can be
- The amount of stress that the experience can cause for you and your loved ones
- How much evidence you have
- How much you have suffered in damages
- If you can wait a while for your compensation
- If the defendant seems to think that they can win at trial
Could I Win More Money If I Go to Trial?
Many people go to court because the settlement being offered to them simply isn’t enough. If you believe that this is the situation in your case, you can take it to trial in an effort to secure a larger verdict. Juries could award you far more than you would have settled for, especially if you have a strong case and the jurors find you sympathetic. You could also be awarded a significant amount of punitive damages if the jury finds the defendant’s behavior particularly egregious.
However, it’s also important to remember that juries are tough to predict the behavior of. You could end up winning far more money than you would have settled for, or you could be awarded significantly less. It’s also possible that you will receive nothing at all. This is why you need to carefully consider whether or not going to trial is a good idea.
Are There Any Other Drawbacks to a Trial?
There are a few other drawbacks to a trial. The main one is how time-consuming it is. You have to wait for space on a judge’s docket to clear up. Then you have multiple court dates where evidence needs to be introduced and each side tries to make its case. Settling for a compensation offer takes far less time.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Your lawyer can help you build a strong case that can succeed in court. We can help you gather important evidence and defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing that could affect how much you are awarded in compensation. We can even keep negotiating for a settlement on your behalf. It’s not unheard of for cases to settle even after a trial has begun.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been hurt in an accident and you want to pursue damages in a personal injury suit, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can offer you a case evaluation and tell you more about your legal options. We’re ready to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.