What Is the Difference Between a Verdict and a Settlement?

The difference between a verdict and a settlement is whether a legal dispute is resolved in a courtroom during a jury trial or outside of a courtroom between plaintiff, defendant, and their attorneys.

What is a Verdict?

A verdict is a decision reached by a jury in a court room. The jury decides whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty of the allegations outlined in the suit. The jury reaches its decision without direct input from either the plaintiff or the defendant; they determine the outcome based on evidence, testimonies, and other events that unfold during trial.

What is a Settlement?

A settlement is a contractual agreement made between two disputing parties. They do not involve outside input or decision-making from a judge or a jury. In an ideal situation, a settlement would be reached before the case goes to trial. However, settlements can also be reached in the midst of one. In such circumstances, the ongoing trial would then conclude because a resolution was found outside of court.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve, whether by helping you negotiate a settlement or fighting for your rights at court.

Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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