If you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligent conduct, do you settle or take your case to trial? This is an important decision because it can influence the financial compensation you get, as well as the amount of time, effort, and energy you will need to invest in the process.
So, what option is better for you? This personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida is going to help you decide below.
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, and there are good reasons for that
Instead of leaving your fate in the hands of a jury, which can be unpredictable and may give a verdict that is not in your favor, settling allows you to engage in negotiations. Through these negotiations, you can work towards securing a fair agreement that compensates you for your medical bills, lost income, and any emotional or physical distress you have experienced.
Settling also saves you time, money on legal fees, and a lot of stress since trials can drag on for months or even years.
But settling is not always the best decision. If you jump into a settlement too quickly (especially without the advice of a personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida), you could receive much less than what your claim is truly worth.
Insurance companies often throw out low offers, hoping that the plaintiff will accept quickly without evaluating the full extent or long-term consequences of their injuries. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand the validity of the settlement offer and if it is enough to cover what you have experienced due to your injuries.
When going to court may work in your favor
If the settlement negotiations don’t lead to an offer you are happy with, filing a lawsuit could be your best bet for getting the most money.
Once you file a lawsuit, you send a clear signal to the insurance company that you are committed to pursuing your claim and are willing to go through the legal process if necessary. This can make the insurance company reevaluate their position and give you better settlement offers. After all, they want to avoid the costs of a court battle, like the costs of hiring attorneys to defend their interests in court.
However, you need to be aware that lawsuits can take time and require a lot of patience. There is the pre-trial process, where both parties engage in gathering evidence and go through discovery. This entire pre-trial process can last several months, and if your case does end up at a trial, it could take even longer.
There is also the fact that if you go to court and lose, you could walk away empty-handed, even after months of preparation. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida can give you a clearer picture of whether your case has strong merit and if it is likely to succeed in court.
So, should you settle or take it to court?
Deciding whether to settle or file a lawsuit really comes down to the details of your case. Factors like the severity of your injury and the strength and credibility of your evidence can influence the outcome of the case.
If you have sustained minor injuries and there is a clear determination of liability, settling could be the most logical choice for a quick resolution. But if your injuries are more severe and the insurance company is unwilling to give a fair compensation offer, filing a lawsuit might be necessary to get the financial restitution you rightfully deserve.
Know that a well-prepared case can increase your chances of receiving a much higher settlement offer. If your injuries are serious, you could get a bigger payout, but insurance companies usually try to lowball you to save money. An experienced personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida can push back against these tactics and make sure you get what you really need for your recovery and future.
Looking for a Personal Injury Attorney in Bartow, Florida?
Are you confused between settling your personal injury claim or taking your case to court? Ready to partner with an experienced personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida who can guide you in the right direction? If so, look no further than Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation with our team.