How Is a Verdict Different From a Settlement in South Carolina?

Unfortunately, people are seriously injured due to the negligence of others virtually every single day here in the state of South Carolina. That said, if you were hurt due to no fault of your own, whether in an auto accident or otherwise, you’re likely now seeking financial compensation to help you heal. As long as we can satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim, you should receive compensation either through a verdict or a settlement. Please continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Darlington, South Carolina personal injury lawyer from the James Law Office, LLC to learn more about the difference between verdicts and settlements and how we can assist you. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Is the Difference Between a Verdict and a Settlement?

The primary difference between a verdict and a settlement is that a settlement is reached outside of court while a verdict is reached in court. Most personal injury cases resolve in settlements outside of court, but not all. Insurance companies are most often concerned about their bottom line, and because of this, they frequently offer plaintiffs lowball settlements that don’t truly cover the entire scope of their injuries. When a client is offered a settlement that doesn’t even cover the full cost of their medical bills, for example, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies to try and attain a better settlement.

However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a better settlement, the individual and their attorney can take the case to trial. Once at trial, the client and their attorney will provide evidence to prove that the client was hurt due to no fault of their own and that they are entitled to a greater amount of compensation. As long as the jury agrees, the judge will issue a more favorable verdict on behalf of the plaintiff.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Successful Personal Injury Claim?

As long as we can satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim, you should receive compensation to help you deal with both the economic and the non-economic damages you’ve incurred. Economic damages deal with the financial cost of an injury, such as the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and, in the case of wrongful death, funeral/burial costs. These damages can also help victims cope with property damage, such as in a car accident.

On the other hand, non-economic damages cover the cost of pain and suffering, a lower standard of life, emotional trauma, and scarring or disfigurement.

If you have any further questions or believe you have a valid injury claim, please don’t hesitate to speak with out seasoned South Carolina personal injury law firm today.