Wrongful Death: Settling vs. Going to Trial

    ORLANDO, FL, February 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be given the option of settling versus going to trial. Both of these options have some benefits, but your primary goal in filing the lawsuit should be the determining factor. Your wrongful death attorney will work closely with you during all stages of your lawsuit and help you determine which course of action is best for your particular case. Remember, a wrongful death claim is a civil case and your needs and desires should be at the forefront of your attorney's recommendations.

Settling

When you settle a wrongful death lawsuit, the other party will often request that the details of the case be kept confidential. This means that their behavior will not be made public knowledge. It also means that the responsible party may never have to apologize or be held emotionally accountable to your family.

The damages agreed to may also be less than a court will order. A settlement is a negotiation between the parties involved. This may allow the responsible party to negotiate an agreement that decreases their financial responsibilities. However, settling can greatly reduce the strain and stress of taking a case to court. If this is in the best interest of your family, your attorney may recommend settling.

Going to Trial

When you take a wrongful death case to trial, you can fight for a public apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing on the part of the other party. You may also be able to seek a larger settlement than would otherwise be possible. This will require testimony from you and other family members and may take several months.

Of course, there is never a guarantee that your trial will result in a larger settlement. This is a decision that will need to be made based on the particulars of your case and your attorney's professional recommendation. Trials can take a long time and be very expensive. Your attorney will need to determine if the cost, both emotionally and financially, will be worth it in your case.
Choosing an attorney who focuses on wrongful death and has a strong history of successful verdicts and settlements with these trials will be extremely helpful. So, too, will finding an attorney who personally works on your case and carefully considers the full impact your tragic loss will have on every aspect of your life.

If you are looking for a wrongful death attorney in or around Orlando or Melbourne, Florida, please visit the website of the experienced attorneys at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter for more information about how we can help at http://www.thefloridafirm.com.

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