Understanding the Likelihood of Going to Trial
After a serious accident, it’s natural to worry about whether your case will end up in court. The truth is, most personal injury claims never reach trial.
In Connecticut, approximately 97% of cases settle out of court, with only 3–4% going to trial. Massachusetts trends are similar. Still, there are instances when trial becomes necessary to achieve fair compensation.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our experienced Connecticut and Massachusetts personal injury attorneys explain when cases go to trial, what to expect, and how to protect your rights at every stage.
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What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone is harmed due to another person’s negligence or wrongful act. Common examples include:
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Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
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Slip and fall or premises liability
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Medical malpractice
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Dog bites or product defects
Victims (plaintiffs) may seek compensation for:
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Medical expenses (current and future)
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
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Punitive damages (in cases of extreme recklessness)
To win, your attorney must prove that the other party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. Evidence — like medical reports, witness statements, and photos — is critical.
Why Most Personal Injury Cases Settle
Settlements are common because they:
✅ Save time and money compared to lengthy trials
✅ Provide faster compensation for medical and financial needs
✅ Reduce stress and emotional strain
✅ Offer privacy, since settlements are typically confidential
Settling gives both sides more control over the outcome, avoiding the unpredictability of a jury verdict.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our team works to secure strong settlements through skillful negotiation — but we’re always ready to take your case to court if justice requires it.
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Factors That Influence Whether a Case Settles or Goes to Trial
Several factors determine whether your personal injury case will settle or proceed to trial in Connecticut or Massachusetts:
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Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic or permanent injuries often lead to higher damages, making insurers more likely to resist paying full compensation.
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Liability Disputes: If fault is unclear or multiple parties are involved, a trial may be required to determine responsibility.
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Insurance Company Tactics: Some insurers delay or lowball offers, forcing litigation.
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Quality of Evidence: Strong, well-documented evidence increases your leverage to settle.
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Legal Representation: Having a seasoned attorney improves the chances of reaching a fair agreement before trial.
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The Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may:
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Offer low initial settlements
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Delay communication to pressure you
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Question the severity of your injuries
That’s why it’s essential to let a Connecticut or Massachusetts personal injury lawyer handle all insurer interactions. Our attorneys protect your claim value, counter insurer tactics, and negotiate for what you’re truly owed.
When a Case Goes to Trial
If fair settlement negotiations fail, your lawyer may recommend proceeding to trial.
During trial, both sides present:
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Witness and expert testimony
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Accident evidence and medical documentation
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Legal arguments before a judge or jury
While trials can be longer, costlier, and more stressful, they also allow victims to pursue maximum compensation when insurers refuse fairness.
Our trial attorneys in Hartford, Bridgeport, Springfield, and Worcester are fully prepared to litigate aggressively and strategically to win your case.
Pros and Cons of Settling vs. Going to Trial
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement | Faster payout, less stress, privacy, lower legal costs | May result in lower compensation |
| Trial | Potentially higher award, public accountability, full case presentation | Time-consuming, costly, uncertain outcome |
Your lawyer’s job is to help you weigh these options and pursue the path that best fits your goals and circumstances.
Why Legal Representation Matters
A personal injury attorney plays a pivotal role in achieving justice.
Your lawyer will:
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Collect and preserve critical evidence
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Manage communication with insurers
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Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
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Represent you in court if necessary
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of experience, proven negotiation skills, and courtroom strength to every case — ensuring our clients are never left to face insurance companies alone.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Every personal injury case is unique, and knowing whether your case will go to trial depends on its facts and complexity.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we fight tirelessly for injured clients across Connecticut and Massachusetts — from Hartford and New Haven to Springfield and Worcester.
📞 Call 203-678-8272 or complete our Free Case Evaluation Form today to discuss your case.
✅ No Win, No Fee Guarantee — You pay nothing unless we win.