If you were involved in an accident due to the negligence of another party, then you are likely seeking the financial compensation that you require to heal via a personal injury claim. Your claim will either conclude with a settlement or a verdict, and this will depend largely on how well you and the other party can negotiate. Continue reading to learn the comparisons between the two and how an experienced Howard County personal injury attorney at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can guide you down the right path.
How is a settlement different than a verdict?
Firstly, a settlement is an agreement between you (i.e., the plaintiff) and the other party (i.e., the defendant) that prevents you from pursuing any further legal action so long as you receive the financial compensation that you require. To determine a fair settlement amount, your attorney will calculate the total of your past, present, and future economic and non-economic damages.
Secondly, a verdict is required if you and the defense team cannot agree upon a fair settlement amount. Your case will have to go to trial, where a verdict will be reached.
How is a settlement reached?
A settlement will be reached in one of two ways. For one, your lawyer may craft a demand letter and then negotiate with the other party’s insurance company until they agree on a fair settlement amount. Or, your lawyer will pursue mediation or arbitration, where they will negotiate a fair settlement amount with the defense team.
How is a verdict reached?
When your case goes to trial, your attorney may fight for the verdict to offer you more compensation than you were originally offered. Below is an explanation as to how a verdict will be reached:
- In the pretrial discovery period, your attorney will assist you in gathering evidence and expert witnesses.
- Potential jurors will be asked questions that eliminate bias, and then a panel will be selected for the trial.
- Both parties will make opening statements to effectively present their argument to the jury.
- Your attorney will present evidence that proves you were not at fault for your accident.
- Both parties will make concluding statements to convince the jury of their argument.
- The jury will deliberate to reach a verdict.
- The jury will share their verdict with the judge.
- You may begin recovering compensation, so long as you win and the other party does not file an appeal.
Regardless of whether you are looking to reach a settlement or a verdict, you must contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg, Esq. at your earliest convenience.
Contact Our Howard County, Maryland Firm
If you or a family member has sustained severe injuries in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
