If you are looking to file a personal injury claim in Florida, you may want to learn more about the different ways to obtain compensation. Read on to hear about how a verdict and settlement differ and give our firm a call today to speak with one of our skilled Panama City personal injury attorneys.

How are a verdict and settlement different?

The key difference between a verdict and a settlement is that a verdict is determined in court and a settlement is an agreement between the plaintiff and defendant outside of court. Most of the time, personal injury lawyers work hard to negotiate a fair settlement for their clients because it is generally in everyone’s best interest to avoid a trial. When a fair settlement cannot be attained, personal injury attorneys will represent their clients in court to fight for a judgment by trial. Reach out to our skilled attorneys at Manuel & Thompson today to learn more about settlements and verdicts.

What is a fair settlement?

A fair settlement protects all economic and non-economic losses connected to the accident. It is very essential to confer with a personal injury attorney before taking a settlement offer or attempting to negotiate with the at-fault insurance adjuster. An attorney has the ability to estimate the true value of your claim and review your legal rights. Insurance companies rely on the fact that most people have no concept of what their claim is worth so they can give them the smallest settlement possible, or even deny their claim entirely.

What damages can be collected from a verdict or settlement?

While each personal injury claim is different and will contain a specific list of damages, it is common for the compensation awarded in verdicts and settlements to be the same. Here are some common examples of damages:

Economic damages:
• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced or lost earning ability
• Repair or replacement of damaged property
• Lifecare expenses

Non-economic damages:
• Pain and suffering
• Physical impairment
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional distress

A personal injury lawyer will estimate the value of each damage to reach the general value of a claim. Our legal team is here to help. Give us a call today to get started.

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.