Settlement

A settlement is an agreement between the plaintiff and defendant outside of court. In a settlement, the insurance company typically agrees to pay you more money than they first offered for your claim. 

Many plaintiffs would rather settle than go to court because they might not get anything if they go to court.

After an accident, you may need to get compensated for your injuries, or you may have to compensate for someone else’s. If you know what to expect from a settlement, you can choose whether to take it or go to court. No matter what you decide, an experienced lawyer can help.

When Do Settlements Happen in the Lawsuit Process?

Settlements can happen at any time before the judge decides your case. They can happen:

• While the trial is going on. Once the trial has started, no rule says settlements can’t be made. If one side thinks the trial is going against them, they might offer to settle. Sometimes, a settlement is reached while the jury is still debating.
• While the lawsuit is going on, but before the trial begins. This is when settlements happen most often.
• During the first talks with the insurance company, before a lawsuit has even been filed.

The only actual limit is that you can’t settle once the jury has decided and the judge has made a decision. At this point, the judge’s decision is a legal order, and the parties can no longer come to a different agreement.