Pursuing a fair settlement on your behalf will most likely be the first course of action by your personal injury lawyer if someone else injures you. If no settlement is possible, the next step is to take the matter to court for a jury’s decision.
When do you know, though, when settling your case is the best option?
In this issue, the Alaska personal injury lawyers with Barber & Associates will explain when settling makes sense.
When should I settle my personal injury case?
If someone else injures you by their actions or decisions, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your hurts.
In other words, going to court is not your only option.
Your personal injury lawyer will have a clear understanding of your goals and needs and will be negotiating directly with the insurance provider of the person who caused your injuries.
To answer the question, though, accepting a settlement offer makes sense when it meets your needs, and when settling is in your best interest.
What are the benefits of settling my personal injury case?
Each case is different, but in general, settling a case offers a host of benefits.
- Less stress.
Because you don’t have to worry about how a judge or jury is going to rule, your level of stress will be greatly reduced. - You’ll have money faster.
Jury trials can last months – and even years – before a verdict is reached. Can you afford to be out of work for that amount of time? With a settlement, you’ll have your financial compensation far quicker. - Your case is kept private.
Unlike court documents – most of which are a matter of public record – a settlement is kept private between all parties involved.
Why should I not settle my personal injury case?
As with just about anything in life, there are potential downsides to settling your case.
- Less financial compensation.
If you and your personal injury lawyer feel that a settlement offer is unreasonable, you definitely should not accept the settlement. - Punitive damages.
If the person or company that caused your injuries did so in an especially egregious way, a court may want to send a particularly harsh message by awarding you more compensation than you’re seeking.
If you’re injured by someone else, call Barber & Associates.
Deciding whether or not to settle your personal injury case can be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why it definitely in your best interest to leverage the skills and expertise of a personal injury lawyer if someone else hurts you.
Here at Barber & Associates, we’ve worked hard to help other Alaskans recover millions in settlements and jury decisions, and we can do the same for you.
For an energetic and expert effort to defend your rights, get in touch with us.
The first meeting is always free, and you can reach us at 907-276-5858 or via email.