Do All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?

One of the most common questions that personal injury lawyers get asked is: “Will my personal injury case go to trial?” And the answer to this question is that the majority of personal injury cases reach a settlement and don’t have to go to trial, meaning that most cases never make it to court. In fact, the percentage of personal injury cases that go to trial is extremely small. With that being said, not all personal injury cases go to trial.

What is the Difference Between a Settlement and Trial?

There are essentially two methods available in which personal injury victims are able to collect damages after an accident. The insurance company or defendant could offer a settlement in which the plaintiff can accept or the other option would be that the plaintiff pursues a civil lawsuit against the insurance company or defendant as a way to obtain compensation.

If a settlement is agreed upon between the defendant and the plaintiff, then the plaintiff will receive compensation for his or her damages as a settlement. However, if the plaintiff is unsatisfied with the settlement, then a lawsuit can be filed. When this happens, the case will go to trial. However, keep in mind that personal injury lawsuits can be incredibly risky and unpredictable (especially since there is a jury involved) when reaching a verdict.

While it is possible to receive more compensation in a verdict compared to a settlement, there are a lot of risks involved in a trial so it is imperative to work with a trusted, experienced, and dedicated trial lawyer. 

At Sullivan & Sullivan, our team has extensive experience handling complex cases and have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to deliver the best possible outcome. If you are searching for a highly reputable personal injury lawyer in Manhattan Beach, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a free consultation!

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