Put simply, your personal injury claim will either conclude with a settlement or a verdict. The outcome will depend largely on how well you and the other party can negotiate. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two and how an experienced personal injury lawyer Clinton New Jersey at the Law Office of Craig M. Rothenberg can serve as your legal representation in either scenario.
How is a settlement reached?
A settlement agreement is an agreement between you as the plaintiff and the at-fault party as the defendant, in which you promise to not pursue any further legal action so long as they give you the financial compensation that you request. With this, your lawyer will calculate the total of your past, present, and future economic and non-economic damages. Then, either via mediation or arbitration, they will negotiate a fair settlement amount with the at-fault party and their respective lawyer.
How is a verdict reached?
If your lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement amount, then your case will go to trial. With this, your lawyer may fight for more compensation than you were originally offered. That said, below is an explanation as to how a verdict is reached during your trial:
- In the pretrial discovery period, your lawyer will assist you in gathering relevant evidence and retaining expert witnesses.
- Then, potential jurors will be asked questions that eliminate bias.
- Soon after, a panel of jurors will be selected for the trial.
- At the start of the trial, both parties will make opening statements to effectively present their argument to the jury.
- Next, your lawyer will present evidence that proves you were not at fault for your accident.
- In the end, both parties will make concluding statements to convince the jury of their argument.
- Afterward, the jury will deliberate to come to a conclusion. This can take hours, days, weeks, or even more.
- At last, the jury will share their verdict with the judge.
Ultimately, if you win the trial, you may begin recovering compensation. However, this is so long as the other party does not file an appeal. It is also important to note before you enter your trial that there is a possibility that you can be proven at fault for your accident and your chances at compensation will be diminished.
Whether you are looking toward a settlement or a verdict, you must retain the services of one of the skilled lawyers at our firm today.
Contact an NJ Personal Injury Lawyer Today
No matter where or how you or a loved one were injured, if the injury was caused by someone else, we are here to help ensure that you are fully and fairly compensated. Our legal team handles cases involving auto accidents, defective products, slip and falls, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, work injuries, wrongful death, and more. Contact the Law Office of Craig M. Rothenberg today to schedule your free case evaluation with our skilled personal injury law firm.
