Resolving Personal Injury Claims

Many personal injury claims in Connecticut are resolved quickly, often within weeks or months, without the need to go to court. However, if negotiations with the insurance company fail to lead to a fair settlement, the case may proceed to trial. Understanding what this entails can help you prepare for the process and know what to expect.

Understanding Civil Court Trials in Connecticut

Personal injury claims, such as those involving car accidents or wrongful death, fall under the category of civil cases. Civil cases differ significantly from criminal cases in several ways:

• Purpose: Civil cases aim to recover financial compensation for losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In contrast, criminal cases focus on determining guilt and assigning punishment.
• Burden of Proof: Civil cases are easier to prove than criminal cases. In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil trials, the standard is lower—you only need to prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the other party’s negligence caused your injury.
• Settlement Possibilities: Many civil cases are settled out of court. A settlement occurs when the opposing party offers an amount of money that the injured party agrees to accept, avoiding the need for a trial. Settlements save time, reduce costs, and provide a quicker resolution for everyone involved.

When Is a Trial Necessary?

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we aim to resolve cases efficiently and without unnecessary litigation. However, there are situations where going to trial is the best course of action:

• The Insurance Company Refuses to Settle: If the insurance company denies liability or refuses to offer a fair settlement, a trial may be the only way to pursue full compensation for your losses.
• Low Settlement Offers: If the settlement offer is far below what your case is worth, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court to allow a jury to evaluate the evidence and award appropriate damages.

Ultimately, the decision to proceed to trial depends on the strength of your evidence and how sympathetic your case is to a jury. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you weigh your options and make the right decision for your situation.

Why Choose Bert McDowell Injury Law?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Connecticut, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that an injury can take on your life, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Our team has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. We know how to build a strong case that puts pressure on the insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. And if a trial becomes necessary, we have the courtroom experience and legal expertise to represent you effectively.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait. Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law! Bert is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 475-231-3274 to schedule your free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form to get started.

We take pride in serving clients across Connecticut and ensuring that their voices are heard in both settlement negotiations and in the courtroom. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.