When we think of a personal injury case, we probably think of resolution at trial with a jury. However, this is just one of the many ways your case can be resolved. In Connecticut, you generally have these options for resolving your personal injury case:

• Arbitration
• Settlement
• Trial with a jury
• Trial with a judge

There are many different reasons why you might select one option or another.

Sometimes, you are under a contractual obligation to use arbitration. Arbitration is ideally a streamlined process for resolving your case-both parties explain their side of the argument to an arbitrator who helps them resolve their differences amicably. Too often, though, arbitrators are prejudiced in favor of their long-time clients, such as the nursing home or hospital you are making a negligence or medical malpractice claim against.

Settlement is when the person who injured you or their insurance company makes you an acceptable offer of compensation and you accept it. You withdraw your lawsuit and get a check. This is really an ideal situation, because it gets you the money you need sooner and with fewer court costs for everyone. However, you generally need to be prepared to go to trial to get a favorable settlement, which may not even be offered until after the trial has begun.

You have the option of having your case tried by a judge or by a jury. Most often, we like to have juries because they can understand the human elements of your case and see why you deserve compensation for mental injuries and diminished quality of life. Other times, we may request a trial by a judge because our arguments in the case are more technical and legalistic.

There are many ways to resolve a personal injury case, but they all have one thing in common: to get the best results you need to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Depending on your case, it can get very complex. To learn more about your legal options, contacting the Connecticut personal injury lawyers of Hastings, Cohan, & Walsh, LLP for a free consultation is the best way to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 888-244-5480.