Please read on, then contact an experienced St. Lucie County personal injury lawyer to learn what the differences are between a verdict and a settlement in Florida.
How does a verdict differ from a settlement in Florida?
A verdict is a judgment or decision in a court proceeding. A judge or jury issues a verdict after a trial. A settlement is a voluntary and binding resolution or agreement between two parties, without input from the court. Both have results that are legally binding and both will likely require the involvement of highly competent attorneys. Indeed, many times a verdict comes about after a failure to reach a settlement in one of the pre-trial stages, but this is not always the case. Verdicts tend to be made public, while those drafting settlements have the option to maintain a level of privacy and/or secrecy. Of course, each will depend on the circumstances of your unique case.
Is a verdict better than a settlement in Florida?
Again, that will depend on the specific conditions in your personal injury case. Nonetheless, a strong personal injury claim has the potential to secure more compensation in a trial as compared to a settlement. While an insurance company will probably negotiate hard to minimize the amount they shell out, a jury could be more sympathetic to your pain and suffering in their verdict and grant you your rightful claim. On the other hand, an out-of-court settlement can usually help you recover damages faster, instead of waiting for months or years if you go before the court. This way, you can avoid having additional expenses due up to the final day in court.
Both legal options have their advantages and disadvantages, so we would strongly advise you to reach out to our firm before making any major decisions.
How can Thomas P. Schmitt, Esq. help you?
In the years he has been practicing law, Thomas P. Schmitt, Esq. has procured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. Because he genuinely cares about his clients and their well-being, he will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve, either in the courtroom or outside of it. He will always be upfront and honest, by providing honest assessments of your case and tailoring his strategy accordingly. If nothing else, he will help you determine if your case is strong enough to bring to trial or if you should settle. This can be an intimidating process, so please do not hesitate to give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Port St. Lucie Firm
Here at The Florida Personal Injury Law Team, our firm understands the detrimental effects that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family. Our firm handles a wide array of personal injury claims, including those involving auto accidents, slip and falls, defective products, construction accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, and more. If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, look no further than the Florida Personal Injury Law team. To schedule your first consultation with our team, contact an experienced Port St. Lucie personal injury attorney today.
