Nowadays, if a victim is allowed to sue someone – opportunity backed by the potential damages, they’ll do so without thinking twice about it.
The sad truth is that, depending on location and community, people would rather sue each other instead of trying to settle the matter. As such, lawyers and judges have to deal with a lot of insignificant cases or with unprepared parties.
On the other hand, people who should sue refrain from doing so because they think they’ll never win the case or that it’s simply not worth it, mostly when it comes to personal injury. This is why, in today’s article, we will be pointing out the most important things that one should know before going to court!
Is Your Case Good Enough?
As mentioned before, some don’t sue because they think their case is weak. Sometimes this is true, but if you think you are a victim and must be awarded damages, then you should sue.
A good case is based on essential, vital, and plausible proof/evidence – first and foremost. The fact that you simply slipped and fell in a store is not enough to make a strong case if you don’t have evidence – significant injuries, medical bills, and so on.
Approached Any Final Demands?
There are also people who will sue the other party and go straight to court, no matter what happened. But you shouldn’t do so, especially when it comes to personal injury.
This is because injuries and other types of similar incidents are usually settled before a trial. People and businesses would rather pay you a decent amount than deal with court fees, costs, and so on.
This is why, before you go to court, make sure you’ve made your final demand to the other party – they may agree to settle. If they don’t or if the sum is too low, then you may sue.
Thoroughly Analyze the Claim
Most of the time, disputes are settled via compromise – usually when it comes to light injuries. It’s up to both parties to take a look at the claim’s points of view from a realistic point of view.
The plaintiff, for example, may realize that their claim is useless or that your injury is not worth as much as you demand. In some cases, they may receive more compensation if they agree on a lower amount – as they are spared the court fees and costs.
Lawsuit Time and Resources
Last but not least, the plaintiff should only sue when they have both the time and the resources to deal with/ manage a lawsuit. People, when suing, think only about the favorable result – namely, the big award in cash.
Naturally, they omit the costs mentioned above, as well as any legal or attorney fees they may incur. Just as with the previous point, the plaintiff should consider their claim and future court case and determine whether they can handle it.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, the most important things that you should know before going to court refer to ways with which you can avoid it. This is because both lawyers and their clients would rather settle for the just amount than go through court processions.
Moreover, if you analyze all of those mentioned above, you’ll also determine whether your case has a chance in court. Obviously, if it doesn’t, and you lose, then you’ll have to pay fees and taxes from your own pocket.