Settlement (litigation)

What is a Settlement Agreement?

When individuals or organizations find themselves embroiled in a civil lawsuit, they often face the possibility of a lengthy and costly legal battle. However, in many cases, the parties involved may choose to explore the option of reaching a settlement.

A settlement, in the context of a civil trial, refers to an agreement reached between the parties involved in a lawsuit. It is a voluntary resolution that allows the disputing parties to avoid further litigation by coming to mutually agreeable terms. This agreement typically involves the injured party (plaintiff) agreeing to drop the lawsuit in exchange for a specified amount of compensation from the party allegedly at fault (defendant).

Settlements are reached at various stages of a civil trial. They can occur prior to filing a lawsuit, during the pre-trial phase, or even during the trial itself. Often, settlements are negotiated through a process known as alternative dispute resolution, which includes methods such as mediation or arbitration. ADR provides a more informal and cooperative environment for the parties to discuss their grievances and work towards a resolution, rather than relying solely on the adversarial nature of the courtroom.

Determining the terms of a settlement involves careful consideration of various factors. Both parties must assess the strength of their respective cases, the potential risks and costs associated with continuing litigation, and the desired outcome of each party. Negotiations focus on finding a middle ground that satisfies the interests and needs of both sides.

Can An Attorney Help Me Recover a Larger Settlement?

A personal injury lawyer possesses excellent negotiation skills and is well-versed in the tactics often employed by insurance companies and opposing legal teams. Their goal is to secure a settlement that fully compensates their clients for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the accident.

When an accident victim hires an attorney, the insurance company knows they are going to have to pay out a higher settlement than what they would have if the accident victim attempted to negotiate without legal representation. An attorney also has the resources to investigate the accident and work with experts to ensure a claim is accurately valued.

In the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury lawyer is prepared to litigate the case in court.

Contact Us Today!

Settlements play a crucial role in civil trials, offering a viable alternative to lengthy and costly litigation. At MVP Accident Attorneys, our personal injury lawyers understand the intricacies involved in reaching a fair settlement and have the expertise to guide clients through the process.

By seeking legal assistance, individuals can increase their chances of obtaining the compensation they deserve for accident-related damages. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Author

Brett Sachs

Founder

Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.