If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages. When serious injuries are inflicted, it can cause your whole world to crumble. You are possibly hit with expensive medical bills, damaged property, and lost wages. or reduced or lost earning ability. All of these components can negatively affect your life. When seeking reasonable compensation for damages, they may come in the form of a verdict or a settlement. This can either be decided in or outside of the courtroom. We can help you recover fair compensation for your damages, reach out to a trusted Prince George’s County Personal Injury Attorney who can help you get back on your feet.
What makes a verdict different from a settlement?
The main difference between a verdict and a settlement is that one is decided in a courtroom while the other is decided outside of one with no outside input.
What is a verdict and how do you reach one?
A verdict is a final decision made after a trial. When you file a claim against a liable party, the case will be tried in a courtroom to determine what damages the defendant may have to pay for damages. A verdict is reached after a judge and jury hear all of the facts and see all of the evidence presented to form the final decision on the case. The verdict is what they deliver after hearing closing arguments. The verdict is reached after the disputed issue is resolved by the judge and jury.
What is a settlement and how do you reach one?
A settlement is a voluntary but binding agreement between two disputing parties. It is a contractual agreement that the defendant and plaintiff must mutually agree on. Typically, settlements are reached before a case goes to trial. It does not normally involve any outside judgment from a judge or jury. However, a settlement can take place during a trial. If both parties cannot reach a mutual agreement on a settlement, they may file a lawsuit where a judge and jury will then decide the case resulting in a verdict instead. It can be extremely difficult to have both parties agree on a settlement. The case may be too complex with too many components to agree on damages, so it is common for the disputed issues to be taken to court instead.
What types of damages are evaluated when determining a verdict or a settlement?
When a verdict or a settlement is determined, the judge and jury will consider two different types of categories for damages. They will look at the economic and non-economic damages that the plaintiff may have suffered. Economic damages can easily be quantified. Non-economic damages are harder to put a price value on. Economic damages may include any future or past medical bills, lost or reduced wages, household, and life care services, property damage, and lost earning capacity. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, disability, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and physical impairment. All of these factors whether economic or non-economic will be evaluated to determine damages through a verdict or a settlement.
If you can’t decide between pursuing a verdict or a settlement for your case, contact one of our many skilled and knowledgeable attorneys who can assist you.
