What is the difference between a settlement and a verdict?

The difference between a settlement and a verdict is an important distinction when it comes to understanding accident law in West Virginia. A settlement is an agreement between the parties in a lawsuit. Typically, a settlement is reached before the case goes to trial; it is a way of resolving a case fairly without the need for a long, drawn out court process. In a settlement, both parties agree on an amount of money that is awarded to the plaintiff, and the defendant agrees to pay the agreed-upon amount to the plaintiff. Conversely, a verdict is a decision that is given by a jury or judge in a trial. A verdict is what is used to determine who is at fault for the accident and how much the defendant should pay to the plaintiff. Generally, verdicts are considered more binding than settlements because they are based on the evidence presented and the testimony of the witnesses. In short, a settlement is an agreement between both parties in the lawsuit that avoids a trial. A verdict is a legal decision that is determined by a judge or jury after a trial. While both are used to resolve a case, they are different from one another and should be considered separately when considering accident law in West Virginia.

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