Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Resolution Before Trial: Settlement / Alternative Dispute Resolution

The majority of legal claims filed in civil court do not reach the trial stage-- most are resolved earlier through a negotiated settlement among the parties. An informal settlement can even take place before any lawsuit is filed. Through settlement, the plaintiff in a civil case agrees to give up the right to pursue any further legal action in connection with his or her case, in exchange for the payment of an agreed-upon sum of money from the defendant (or the defendant's insurer). In rare cases, instead of paying money the defendant will agree to perform (or cease performing) a certain action.

If you are considering settling a legal claim in your civil case, or if you have received a settlement offer, you should talk to your attorney and receive his or her thorough assessment of the case and the prospects for settlement. Consider the following points:

  • Amount he or she thinks the case is worth in a range of dollar amounts.
  • Verdicts and settlements in similar cases.
  • Chances of winning at trial.
  • Unfavorable publicity for either side (civil court trials are open to the public and media scrutiny).
  • Amount of personal information that could be revealed at trial or through further discovery.
  • Possible disclosure of business information or trade secrets.
  • When the case is likely to be called for trial.
  • Practical difficulties in trying the case.
  • Weaknesses in your evidence.
  • Weaknesses in your opponent's evidence.
  • The amount of the defendant's insurance coverage.
  • The defendant's own monetary resources.
  • The defendant's lawyer's negotiation tactics (your lawyer may have negotiated with the lawyer before, or has talked to other lawyers to get an idea of what to expect).
  • The extent to which your opponent is likely to play "hardball."
  • If you are the plaintiff, ask how much of the settlement proceeds will be applied to your lawyer's fee and your expenses.
  • If you are the plaintiff, ask how the settlement payments will affect your federal and state income taxes.
  • Talk about what you're willing to concede in order to get the case settled.
  • Discuss the minimum amount you will accept.
  • Consider the possibility of a partial settlement, that is, settling the easy issues first while you continue to negotiate the more contentious issues.
  • If you are the plaintiff, consider accepting a remedy other than money.
Was this helpful?

Response sent, thank you

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney to help you navigate the challenges presented by litigation.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Help Me Find a Do-It-Yourself Solution

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options