Did you get into an accident? Did you suffer from a health condition due to negligence?
Do you have a case against someone else? Have you had a lawsuit and are you waiting for the court to make its decision? Do you have this fear of “going bankrupt” that clouds your daydreams?
Be ready for the outcome of your case. Know the different types of lawsuit outcomes to ease your worries. Find out what to do when you win or lose your lawsuit.
Read along and learn more about these outcomes!
Compensatory vs. Punitive Awards in Lawsuits
Compensatory awards are issued to the plaintiff. It is to compensate them for any losses they may have experienced as a result of the defendant’s actions. These may include reimbursement of any medical bills, lost wages, etc.
Punitive awards are typically issued to punish the defendant for wrongdoing. They also serve as a deterrent for others.
These awards can include fines, jail time, or monetary restitution. In rare instances, courts may also order non-monetary remedies. For example, mandatory safety procedures.
Settling Out of Court vs. Going to Trial
The different types of lawsuit settlement depend on how a case is handled. If settling out of court, then the parties in the dispute will likely come to an agreement. They may also compromise in order to avoid a trial.
This compromise may involve a monetary settlement. It may also jeopardize the parties’ agreement on a new court process.
On the other hand, if the case goes to trial, the sides will argue their cases before a judge or jury decides. Depending on the severity of the situation, the outcome of the trial could potentially include imprisonment, punitive damages, other damages, and costs, or a binding arbitration between the parties.
In bringing a case in both processes, the court system is relied upon to interpret the facts of the case. They must also determine a legal outcome.
Different Types of Judgment Outcomes
There are several types of lawsuit outcomes that can occur. It depends on the circumstances surrounding the case.
Dismissal Verdicts
It is a common lawsuit outcome. This happens when the judge or jury determines that the accused is not liable for the alleged wrongdoing. This judgment can be argued if evidence exists that the accused intentionally caused harm and is legally responsible.
But it is more common in cases with weak evidence or a lack of actual wrongdoing. The verdict will also be determined by the amount and credibility of the evidence provided. It is typically seen in cases with minimal credibility of the complainant’s evidence or extremely weak evidence, making it difficult to prove the guilt of the accused.
This could also include a dismissal agreed upon by all parties involved.
Settlement
This gives both parties a mutually beneficial agreement where the complainant receives monetary compensation. Also, the defendant is relieved of having to go through the long and costly process of the trial. It usually occurs when both parties are worried that the outcome could be unfavorable.
This also happens when the defendant is willing to accept liability. This can be achieved through negotiations or arbitration, but parties must be willing to compromise.
Judgment on the Pleadings
The pleadings here demonstrate that there is no issue of fact between the parties. This judgment is often permanent and requires one party to make payment to the other. In other cases, the court might not grant a judgment on the pleadings based on the materials presented.
Structured Settlement Agreement
It was provided for periodic payments to be made to the winning party over a specified period. It is important to note that a trial can take place with both parties presenting evidence. In the event a trial takes place, the lawsuit is resolved after deliberation, where the court renders a judgment either in favor of either party or against it.
It is also possible that the parties settle outside of court. It is also resolved without formal court action.
Fixed Settlement
This outcome is where the defendant pays a set amount of money to the complainant in exchange for agreeing not to pursue further legal action. This type is often seen in real estate and business disputes. For example, in personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, and other types of disputes.
Jury Verdict
The jury must reach a unanimous decision, meaning that all the members must agree on the outcome of a case. There are four main outcomes possible from a jury verdict in a civil case. A verdict for the plaintiff, a verdict for the defendant, a directed verdict, or a mistrial.
The fifth outcome of a jury verdict reflects when both the complainant and defendant have been found liable.
Possible Penalties and Awards
Outcomes can range from simple “no-fault” or mutual arrangement agreements to the result of a civil or criminal trial. Possible penalties and awards depend on the law. It is in which the suit is filed and the facts presented in court.
Penalties may include an apology, reparations, and, in some cases, even criminal punishments like imprisonment. You can visit webblawmaine.com for more information and knowledge.
Awards may also include punitive damages, equitable remedies, financial restitution, compensatory damages, disgorgement of profits, or, in some cases, injunctive relief.
Know the Different Types of Lawsuit Outcomes
A lawsuit outcome can be a positive or negative resolution. The best way to know the different types of lawsuit outcomes and ensure a successful one is to be prepared, knowledgeable, and directed in your approach.
An experienced lawyer can help you prepare and decide on the best outcome for your case. Reach out to a lawyer today for help with your lawsuit.
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