Court Verdict vs. Settlement – Which Is Better?

When you’ve been hurt in an accident, whether it’s a car crash or a slip and fall incident, you may be managing multiple worries on your road to recovery. After all, you need to physically care for yourself and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Having the details of your Clearwater, Hudson, or Tampa accident reviewed by an experienced attorney is a key first step to determining if you will be able to secure the monetary amount you need through a settlement process or if it makes sense for you to take your case to court.

Efficient Resolution Through Negotiation

There are a lot of advantages to settlements. Negotiating a settlement often allows for a quicker resolution as court proceedings are often time-consuming. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re in need of financial compensation promptly to cover medical bills or other pressing expenses.

Settlements also provide accident victims with a level of control and predictability. Because both parties have the opportunity to negotiate terms, a final agreement is often reached through mutual consent. If your case is one that would benefit from tailoring specific terms, negotiating the settlement you need could be the right path for you.

And when liability is clear after an injurious event, the opposing party will typically be willing to engage in fair negotiations. Your attorney will push for the maximum settlement amount throughout the negotiation process.

When to Opt for a Court Verdict

While settlements are how many injured parties access compensation, there are situations where pursuing a court verdict becomes essential for an optimal outcome.

• When liability is contested. If the opposing party refuses to accept responsibility for the incident, it may be necessary to go to court.
• Severe damages. Cases involving severe injuries or substantial damages require high compensation amounts. Pursuing a court verdict allows for a thorough examination of the extent of the injuries and damages, ensuring that fair and just compensation is awarded.
• Precedent-setting situations. If a case could impact similar cases in the future, pursuing a court verdict may be in both the interests of the injured individual and the public.
• Unable to reach an agreement. Sometimes it is first thought a deal can be made through negotiation but then discussions break down, so a court verdict is required in order for the Florida legal system to assess the merits of the case and determine a just resolution.

Navigating the decision to settle or go to court is not always simple. A Florida personal injury lawyer can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, providing valuable insights into whether a settlement or a court verdict is the more strategic option.

Were you going to accept a settlement but are now considering legal action? The experienced legal team at Roman & Roman can guide you through this decision-making process. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys can advise you on if a just settlement is possible or if you should take your case to court. Schedule your fee-free, no-obligation consultation today.

Although the law firm of Roman & Roman has offices in Clearwater, Hudson and Tampa, we handle cases and claims throughout  Florida. We also meet personally with our clients if at all possible, rather than impersonally over the phone or on the Internet.