Why do most accident cases in Louisiana end in a settlement?

Baton Rouge, LA – After someone is injured in an accident and files a lawsuit, their case may either end in court through a trial or with a settlement agreement. Settlements have become much more common than trials because they tend to be efficient and cost effective when compared with a full trial that needs to take place in a courthouse. A lawyer who is representing a client may give specific reasons why they should accept a settlement in their case.  

Data related to settlements

Recent data for injury lawsuits around the United States shows that well over ninety percent of all of these cases will end with some kind of settlement and not go to trial. This is because almost everyone involved in the process will benefit in some way, usually through saved time and money, by not going through with a trial. The small number of cases that do go to trial are usually because of contested evidence or the client having a strong conviction that they want their day in court. 

Negotiations

The lawyers for each party and any insurance company involved may have to negotiate extensively as more information becomes available through the discovery process. However, these negotiations do not have to comply with court formalities and rules of procedure. All parties involved generally want the negotiations to end as quickly as possible, so there are shared incentives for the case to be closed and the client to be paid. Court hearings often need to be scheduled days or weeks in advance, which makes this kind of negotiation much faster as well. 

Legal fees

Almost all lawyers who deal with accidents and injuries will charge a contingent fee for their services, rather than billing up front. This means that the client only pays the lawyer if the case is successful, and a percentage of the compensation goes to the lawyer. Legal services become more accessible in this manner as clients do not need to have money to pay up front to begin the process of representation. When considering settlements versus trials, the client is normally charged a much smaller contingent fee if the attorneys do not have to bill the person for time spent in court. In this manner, settlements also reserve more of the actual winnings for the client when compared with having to pay for various fees associated with trials. 

Accident firms in Louisiana

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a firm that is available to assist accident victims with the process to receive compensation. Anyone who needs help from a lawyer in the Baton Rouge area can contact them to receive advice.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

www.mlhlaw.com