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What should I know about out-of-court settlements in relation to South Carolina personal injury claims?

A: An out-of-court settlement is a legal arrangement made outside the judicial system. It is basically an agreement between all the parties involved to settle the matter outside of a trial verdict. While most out-of-court settlements are determined before a trial even begins, some are agreed upon during the court proceedings but before a jury delivers a final verdict on the matter.

Negotiations for an out-of-court settlement are typically done with the help of an attorney who acts as a representative. An out-of-court settlement can save time and money, avoiding many of the hassles associated with going to court.

In most personal injury cases, an out-of-court settlement will be reached before it becomes necessary to go to court. Insurance companies would rather settle outside of court in order to avoid the added expense of a trial. While attorneys are not a requirement for an out-of-court settlement, having legal counsel on your side can help you determine if an offered settlement is fair. In addition, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, if necessary.

If you accept a settlement offer, you will more than likely be barred from ever seeking additional compensation in the future related to your accident, even if future medical concerns are discovered later on. That is why it is crucial that your out-of-court settlement will satisfy your current and future accident-related needs and that you do not accept a settlement before you understand the full scope of your injuries and the treatment they will require.  

To better understand how an out-of-court settlement works, consulting with a Charleston personal injury attorney should be your next step.  

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney 

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

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Shelly M. Leeke

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