Clients often ask, “Is it better to settle my injury case or go to trial?” Although this question can’t be answered with certainty, lawyers can advise clients what to do when presented with a choice between taking a settlement offer or moving on to trial. To answer this question, attorneys use the facts, the law, and their judgment to advise clients.

Why do Most Cases End with a Settlement?

Most personal injury lawsuits settle without a trial. There are many reasons for this, including:

What percentage of Cases Settled Before Trial?

In fact, many sources state that 95% of all civil lawsuits settle. A recent Cornell Law School study found that the settlement rate was near 90%. Therefore, injured parties with legitimate legal claims can expect settlement is more likely than a trial.

Why Parties Choose to Settle Instead of Going to Trial

Whether to accept the money being offered by the defense or move onto trial is a difficult question to answer. Lawyers must consider the risk and reward. For example, if an insurance company offers $10,000 to settle an injury claim likely worth $10 million at trial, then the answer is obvious – go to trial!

However, the decision is more difficult if the insurance company offers $9 million to settle the same case. By offering an amount closer to the $10 million trial verdict, the insurance company is seeking to save itself $1 million by shifting risk to the injured plaintiff. The plaintiff must give up guaranteed $9 million today to take the risk a jury at a future trial will award them both the $9 million being offered plus another $1 million more. After considering the additional costs, time delays, personal stress, and risk a jury could award less than the current offer, most injured parties accept reasonable offers of settlement.

Is Settlement or Trial Better?

Although trials can be costly, time consuming, and risky, a big win at trial can result in high rewards. Injured parties can win multimillion-dollar verdicts if the judge and jury agree with them. However, the reverse can also be true. In fact, studies suggest that settlement is better than trial in most cases. Accordingly, whether to accept a settlement and forego trial is ultimately a decision that should only be made after consultation with an attorney.

What Happens After I Accept a Settlement?

When parties agree to settle a lawsuit, the lawyers create a legal contract to settle the lawsuit. This settlement contract provides for payment of the agreed amount of money in exchange for dismissal of a lawsuit.

OUR team

We prefer doing to talking (except in court), We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.

After reviewing your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages, we can help you understand what your case is worth and plan a road map going forward.
After reviewing your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages, we can help you understand what your case is worth and plan a road map going forward.

$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil

If you think you may have a claim and need legal help to hold those parties responsible for damage that they have caused, contact an attorney from our firm.

Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.

stagliuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.

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Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.

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