Wrongful Death Settlements vs. Trials: Pros and Cons
If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in New Jersey, you may be considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit. It is essential to consult a reliable NJ wrongful death lawyer.
Handling the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim on your own can be daunting, especially while dealing with grief. An experienced wrongful death attorney in NJ can provide invaluable guidance and support.
Quicker Resolution
An experienced NJ wrongful death attorney will tell you that one of the primary benefits of settling is speed. Settlements can be reached relatively quickly compared to trials, which can drag on for years. This quicker resolution can provide financial support, helping cover expenses and start the healing process.
Less Stressful
Trials can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Settling your case allows you to avoid court appearances and cross-examinations, besides reliving the traumatic event in a public setting. A settlement allows for more privacy and control over the process.
Certainty and Predictability
When you agree to a settlement, you know exactly what you’ll receive, eliminating the uncertainty of a jury’s decision. This certainty can provide peace of mind during a tumultuous time.
Possibly Lower Compensation
While settlements offer quicker resolutions, they may result in lower compensation compared to a successful trial verdict. Insurance companies and defendants often offer settlements to avoid the unpredictability of a jury trial, but these offers might be less than what you could receive from a sympathetic jury.
No Admission of Guilt
Settling a case usually involves the defendant not admitting to any wrongdoing. For some families, having the responsible party acknowledge their fault is an important aspect of seeking justice.
Potential for Higher Compensation
If you decide to go to trial, it may result in higher compensation. If the jury sides with you, they might award damages that far exceed what a settlement offered. This is particularly true if the jury wants to send a strong message to the defendant.
Public Accountability
A trial can hold the defendant publicly accountable for their actions. This public recognition of wrongdoing can be a form of justice and may help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Emotional Closure
For some families, a trial provides a sense of closure. Seeing the responsible party held accountable in a court of law can be an important step in the healing process.
Longer Process
Trials can be lengthy, drawn out over months or even years. This prolonged process can be draining and delay the financial support you might desperately need.
Emotional Toll
The trial process is often emotionally taxing. You’ll need to relive painful memories and endure intense scrutiny and cross-examinations. This can be incredibly challenging when you’re already dealing with grief.
Unpredictable Outcome
No matter how strong your case is, trials are unpredictable. There’s always a risk that the jury may not rule in your favor, leaving you with nothing after investing significant time and emotional energy.
Deciding between settling and going to trial is a deeply personal choice that depends on your specific circumstances. A seasoned NJ wrongful death attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your case’s details.
If you’re facing the devastating loss of a loved one and need a reliable wrongful death lawyer in New Jersey, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Sekas Law Group.
Let our experienced legal team guide you through this difficult time and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a consultation with the best wrongful death lawyer near you in New Jersey.
Call us at (201) 816-1333 or (212) 695-7577.
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