Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial, or Will It Settle?

Most cases settle before trial, but if we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll always do what’s in your best interest.

Clients frequently ask us, “Should I expect a personal injury trial or a settlement?” The answer is different for everyone, and there’s often no way of knowing your outcome ahead of time. In our experience, many civil cases are resolved out of court. However, your case may have to go through the litigation process. We’re prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury. 

You may receive a settlement offer shortly after taking legal action. If the amount offered doesn’t adequately represent your losses, we can handle insurance negotiations. We strive to help clients pursue fair personal injury settlements while minimizing the timeline, although every case varies. 

Enduring a Personal Injury Trial vs. Settlement

There are pros and cons to each outcome. Whether your case leads to a personal injury trial or settlement, you should consider the following factors:

  • Timeline: You could reach a settlement agreement a few months after beginning the process. If the case goes to trial, it could be well over a year before you finally resolve the claim. 
  • Compensation: Accepting a settlement offer ensures you’ll end up with compensation for damages. The amount may not be as much as a court could award, but there’s also a risk of losing a trial and receiving no compensation.  
  • Legal costs: Due to the extended timeframe of litigation, cases that go to court usually incur higher attorney’s fees. You may not need to reimburse your lawyer as much if the claim resolves with a timely settlement. 
  • Privacy: When you settle a case out of court, the details around the agreement can remain private. Trials, on the other hand, make important information surrounding the case public. 
  • Closure: Some victims may not feel as if they can move on from a case unless it goes to trial. Others prefer to seek closure quickly by reaching a pre-trial settlement. 

Whether your case ends with a personal injury trial or settlement, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. File a claim and have peace of mind when you let Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers represent you. We have years of experience handling various injury claims for car accident survivors, dog bite victims, and more. 

Connect with our Pennsylvania-based team today to discuss your case. Call (484) 351-0350 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.