What is a settlement in a personal injury case?

A settlement in a personal injury case is an agreement between the injured party (plaintiff) and the responsible party (defendant). It usually is reached outside of court and is seen as a way to avoid a potentially lengthy and expensive court process. In Virginia, a settlement usually comes in the form of a lump-sum payment from the responsible party to the injured party. This money is meant to cover the costs and damages associated with the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of money that is offered in a settlement can be negotiated, and the amount is usually based on the degree of the injury, among other factors. In some cases, settlements can also include non-monetary or “in-kind” benefits such as repairs or replacements, or the defendant taking some kind of action to prevent the same type of incident from happening in the future. Both parties sign an agreement once the settlement amount has been agreed upon. After the agreement is signed, the settlement amount is typically paid out by the defendant within a period of time (e.g. 10 days). After the settlement is finalized, the case is typically dismissed, meaning that the defendant cannot be sued for the same issue in the future.

Related FAQs

Do I need to go to court for a personal injury case?
How will my settlement be affected by my health insurance coverage?
What is personal injury law?
What kind of evidence do I need to prove my pain and suffering?
What is the difference between a soft tissue injury and a severe injury?
What should I do if the other party tries to settle without going to court?
What rights do I have if I am injured on someone else's property?
What types of medical bills are covered in a personal injury case?
How can I tell if I have a valid personal injury claim?
What is the difference between a soft tissue injury and a serious injury?

What is a settlement in a personal injury case?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts