What is the difference between a settlement and a verdict?

A settlement and a verdict are two potential outcomes of a personal injury claim. A settlement is a negotiated agreement between the injured party (plaintiff) and the party at fault (defendant). The agreement is usually handled outside of court and the plaintiff generally must agree to abandon the claim in exchange for some amount of money. A verdict is the outcome of a court case where the court hears and evaluates evidence presented by both sides. If the jury finds that the plaintiff is entitled to some form of compensation for their injuries, then a verdict will be issued. The court will set an award amount which is usually much larger than the settlement amount. The main difference between a settlement and a verdict is that a settlement is generally much less than the amount of compensation determined by a court verdict. Settlements also allow the parties to avoid going to trial, which can save the parties both time and money. On the other hand, verdicts are decided upon by a jury of peers, and they can provide the plaintiff with a greater degree of justice that could not be achieved by a settlement agreement. When it comes to accident law in Hawaii, it is important to understand the difference between a settlement and a verdict. Knowing which option to pursue in a given situation is key to ensuring that the injured party receives the best possible outcome.

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