At What Stage Do Most Civil Cases Settle?

The time and cost associated with civil litigation are a concern for most individuals considering a lawsuit. These processes can also be emotionally draining on people still trying to carry on with business as usual while pursuing a case in court. Many individuals fear an unfavorable verdict will draw attention to their business, relationship, or life.

Settling a civil case out of court is an option that can prevent many of the hardships just mentioned. The goal is never to settle for less than the damages cost you financially, which can be challenging without the assistance of an experienced Okemos civil litigation lawyer in Michigan. If you are considering a civil action against someone, let White Law PLLC work to secure the best outcome possible in a settlement to provide a way to recover from the damages you have suffered.

When Most Civil Cases Settle

It may be surprising to individuals considering a civil lawsuit that most civil cases settle before ever proceeding with the trial process. A judicial order can also resolve a case before a trial commences. Even after a case is filed, the parties in a civil case are allowed to settle via mutual agreement before beginning the trial, while the trial is taking place, as the jury deliberates, and as late as after the rendering of a verdict.

In addition to mutual agreement, either party in a civil suit may file a summary judgment following a defendant’s answer and generally after the discovery phase. A summary judgment requests that a judge decide on specific sections of a case or the entire case.

After addressing and requesting a summary judgment in their brief, a judge will rule on the requesting party’s motion.

When a summary judgment is granted, the judge enters in favor of the person requesting this motion for summary judgment. Denying the summary judgment means a case will proceed to trial. Portions of a motion may be granted to prevent the entire case from being tried in court.

Settling as an Option to Civil Lawsuits

Before proceeding with a trial, judges often encourage settling as a resolution to a dispute. There may be specific advantages to settling that apply to your unique situation that a civil litigation lawyer in Okemos can discuss with you. While each case is different, these reasons to settle a civil case are the most common.

Privacy

Individuals may wish to keep the details of a case private. Requests for sealed documents are often submitted to protect sensitive information from public knowledge. Settling may provide for the settlement terms, specific evidence, or monetary compensation to be sealed from public knowledge.

Investment of Time

One characteristic that makes White Law PLLC stand out is our commitment to tackling the challenging issues for clients to allow for as normal of a life as possible during civil litigation. However, the commitment in time can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking months or years to complete. It often comes as a surprise that pretrial motions can take weeks, spotlighting the reality that most civil litigation is an investment in a process requiring time and financial commitment.

Negative Publicity

Negative publicity is like wildfire that spreads with little control and can be fueled to the point that containing it is impossible. Social media and online platforms have provided some of the most flammable fuel, potentially damaging a business, reputation, and relationships. Settling a case outside of court may be used to prevent further damage or as a means to salvage a relationship with a defendant you may know.

Uncertainty

A settlement gives each party a chance to weigh in and allow for some control over the outcome of a disagreement. A jury trial places a verdict in the hands of a party of your peers, based on the preponderance of evidence, who decide the fate of a situation. While jury trials are designed to be a fair avenue to problem-solving, a jury may choose to rule in favor of the other party if they feel the facts support their argument.

Civil Lawsuit as a Necessity

Someone’s actions can be so grievous or costly to you that settling a civil case in Michigan without a court trial does not seem the better option. Working with a Lansing civil litigation attorney with trial experience is the most feasible way to achieve your desired outcome. Ultimately, the direction in legal action is in the client’s hands and should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the situation by a civil litigation attorney in Lansing who has your best interests at the forefront. 

There Are Actions You Wish to Uncover

Settling out of court can remove the spotlight from a situation you feel deserves the genuine attention of others whom an individual may victimize. Having a say in a court of law allows the negligence of particular behaviors to be displayed in front of a jury. It may also garner local media attention, highlighting the negligence and damages you suffered.

Going to court allows each individual to have a chance to share their story. The time you suffered from a negligent act may have been much more daunting than the stress and emotional turmoil of court. Refusing to settle often gives a person a sense of control over the outcome of the narrative.

Each person has the right to have their case tried in a court of law. Settling may leave you feeling like business is unfinished and wondering what the outcome of a court trial would have been. Working with a supportive firm to pursue your right to legal action will allow you to weigh all the possibilities and outcomes, ultimately deciding the next step.

Discuss Settling a Civil Case with a Lansing Civil Litigation Attorney

White Law PLLC believes in providing clients with the information necessary to make the best personal decision in a civil case. Weighing your options provides a sense of control in an environment you may have felt was lacking. Request a free consultation with White Law PLLC, and let us help you settle a civil case that provides the best possible outcome.