Injuries due to someone else’s negligence can wreak havoc on your life, causing you to incur thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses. You may be able to collect financial restitution for the damages you incurred, but is a lawsuit necessary? Or can you settle outside of court? Here’s what to know. 

Are Litigation and Insurance Settlements Different?  

It’s a common misconception that winning an insurance settlement and winning a lawsuit are the same thing. They’re actually distinctly separate but sometimes go hand in hand. 

An insurance settlement is a monetary reward offered to you by either your insurance company or the insurance carrier of the entity who harmed you. If accepted, this settlement is meant to cover any and all expenses incurred as a result of the injury and the party is no longer responsible for any additional costs that may arise from the incident. 

Litigation usually occurs when the insurance company and the plaintiff cannot reach an agreement on a fair settlement and need to take their case before a judge who will make the decision for them. 

Litigation As a Last Resort  

Litigation, or going to court to argue your case against the defendant — which is usually the other party’s insurance company — is generally considered a last resort in personal injury cases. In some situations, litigation is in the best interests of the client, but more often than not, it’s faster and cheaper to try to arrange a settlement award from the other side’s insurance company. 

Depending on the type of injury or accident in question, you may also have insurance of your own that will pay a portion of benefits to you if you file a claim with them. When the at-fault party or their insurance provider refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your injury-related expenses, litigation is likely going to be necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Work With a Dedicated Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer Now  

At Appalachian Injury Law, we know how a single accident or injury can change the life of one person and their family forever in a split second. We’re committed to helping our clients obtain the maximum available financial restitution in their case to cover expenses like hospital bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. To learn about your legal rights and what steps you should take after being injured through no fault of your own, contact us for your consultation at (800) 393-8595.