When you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you expect fair compensation for your damages. Most personal injury cases reach a settlement without ever seeing a courtroom. However, some cases inevitably proceed to trial. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my personal injury case going to trial?” Several factors may be at play.
The decision to take a case to trial rarely happens overnight. Multiple complex factors influence whether your personal injury lawsuit process will end in settlement negotiations or require a jury’s decision. Tennessee law provides specific guidelines that shape how these cases unfold. Our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers explain these factors in the article below.
Common Reasons Cases Proceed to Trial
Several situations can push a Chattanooga personal injury case toward trial rather than settlement.
Each case presents unique circumstances that make a trial the best option for securing fair compensation.
Inadequate Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often present settlement offers that fall short of covering your actual damages.
When insurers refuse to offer reasonable compensation, your personal injury attorney may recommend proceeding to trial. This strategy can be particularly effective when:
- The insurance company undervalues your medical expenses and future treatment needs
- They dispute the extent of your pain and suffering
- Multiple parties share liability, complicating settlement negotiations
Disputed Liability
Some cases involve clear disputes about who caused the accident. When the at-fault party denies responsibility or when multiple parties share blame, reaching a settlement becomes challenging. Tennessee law requires establishing that the other party was negligent and breached their duty of care owed to you, which sometimes requires a jury’s determination.
Complex Damages
Cases involving severe injuries, long-term disabilities, or significant economic losses often require a trial to secure adequate compensation. Tennessee limits non-economic damages to $750,000 for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and disability, but determining the exact value of these damages can be contentious.
The Tennessee Personal Injury Trial Process
When settlement negotiations fail, your personal injury trial follows a structured process under Tennessee law. This process ensures both sides receive fair treatment while presenting their cases effectively.
- Pre-trial procedures: Before your case reaches trial, several important steps occur. Tennessee requires filing your case within one year from the date of your injury, making timing crucial. The discovery phase allows both sides to gather evidence, take depositions, and prepare their arguments. Courts in Tennessee often encourage parties to engage in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution before going to trial. This process involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate settlement discussions.
- Trial proceedings: During the trial, both sides present evidence and arguments to a jury. Your criminal defense attorney will demonstrate how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries and outline the full extent of your damages. The defense will attempt to minimize its client’s liability and reduce potential compensation. The jury then deliberates and renders a verdict. If they find in your favor, they determine the appropriate compensation amount within Tennessee’s legal guidelines.
Strategic Advantages of Going to Trial
While trials involve more time and uncertainty than settlements, they can offer significant advantages in certain situations. These benefits often justify the additional effort and resources required.
Juries sometimes award more compensation than insurance companies offer during settlement negotiations. When your case involves particularly egregious conduct or severe injuries, a jury may provide compensation that reflects the true impact of your losses.
Taking your case to trial can establish important legal precedents that benefit future injury victims.
This aspect becomes particularly relevant in cases involving novel legal theories or emerging areas of liability.
Trials create public records that hold defendants accountable for their actions. This transparency can be especially important in cases involving corporate negligence or systematic safety failures.
When Settlement Makes More Sense
Despite the potential advantages of a trial, many cases benefit from settlement. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others can take over a year. Several factors favor settlement over trial:
- Guaranteed compensation without the uncertainty of jury decisions
- Faster resolution and quicker access to funds
- Lower legal costs and reduced emotional stress
- Privacy protection through confidential settlement agreements
Working with Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
The decision between settlement and trial requires careful analysis of your specific circumstances.
While a vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, some require a trial, and having an experienced litigator on your side is essential.
Your personal injury attorney should evaluate multiple factors when advising whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial:
- The strength of your evidence and witness testimony
- The defendant’s insurance coverage and financial resources
- Your ability to endure the stress and time commitment of the trial
- The potential range of jury awards in similar cases
Successful trial preparation requires thorough documentation and strategic planning. Your legal team will work to present a compelling case that demonstrates both liability and damages.
This preparation includes gathering medical records, expert witness testimony, and evidence of the accident’s impact on your life. The more comprehensive your case preparation, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights in Chattanooga
If you are wondering why your personal injury case might go to trial, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Dennis & Winningham can provide the guidance you need. We have successfully represented injured clients throughout Chattanooga and Tennessee, securing fair compensation through both settlements and trial verdicts.
Do not let insurance companies minimize your injuries or deny the compensation you deserve.
Contact Dennis & Winningham today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
