Tips for Settling Out of Court in Issaquah

Posted Friday, September 15, 2023 by Chris Thayer

“Do I have to go to court?” This question may be haunting you as you consider your options after an injury or car crash. Going to court is scary for most people who are not in the legal profession.

If you have been injured and are stressed about going to court, consider talking with a personal injury lawyer about your options. Your legal counsel can evaluate whether you need to go to court in a personal injury claim and, if so, how to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Often Settle Out of Court in Issaquah

One of the most important things to understand about personal injury claims is that they are often settled out of court - before a lawsuit is filed.

This can be a huge relief, especially if you have been feeling stressed about going to court.

Many cases are settled during trial preparation. Others are resolved on the steps of the courthouse. However, a few cases do continue and go all the way through a formal trial.

*Litigation is Costly for the Plaintiff in Issaquah*One of the big reasons why personal injury lawsuits settle out of court is cost. Typically, the injured person who is called the plaintiff has a contingency fee arrangement with their lawyer.

A contingency fee means that you only pay after a trial is settled. A typical fee agreement is that the attorney receives about 33% of any pre-trial settlement and approximately 40% of a settlement made after trial begins.

This difference is one more reason why it is highly motivating to settle before trial.

*Litigation is Expensive for the Defendant in Washington*However, the plaintiff is not the only one who benefits. The defendant typically pays attorneys by the hour. This can add up to a considerable cost. In addition to paying legal fees, the defendant is also paying for expert witnesses, court costs, and most likely time from work.

The earlier a case settles, the less expensive litigation can be.

*Trials are Stressful and Labor Intensive in Issaquah*The process of going to trial is commonly considered extremely stressful. Trials involve public statements, speaking under oath, and being examined and cross-examined by skilled litigators.

The days and weeks leading up to a trial can be highly stressful and involve hours of intensive preparation. Both sides may prefer to avoid public scrutiny, stress, and pressure.

*Settlements are Private *In rare cases, a judge may order trial records to be sealed. However, in personal injury cases, this is rarely the case. This means that all the trial details are a matter of public record.

Witness testimony, evidence, and settlement amounts are all available for any member of the public to see.

*Talk to a Dedicated King County Personal Injury Attorney*If you have been involved in an accident, it can be extremely stressful to navigate all the legal and medical issues regarding your case. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to provide legal insights related to your injury.