If you’re pursuing a personal injury settlement, you might be concerned about your privacy. Understanding whether personal injury settlements are public record can help you make informed decisions about your case and how much information may become accessible to others.
When Personal Injury Settlements Become Public Record
Whether your personal injury settlement becomes public depends on how your case is resolved. If your settlement is reached out of court, it generally does not become public record.
However, if your case proceeds to trial and the court issues a verdict, that outcome becomes part of the public record. Once a trial concludes, the details of the case, including the court’s decision, are accessible to anyone who requests the records. Public access is a fundamental part of the judicial process, meant to ensure transparency and accountability in the legal system.
How To Avoid Personal Injury Settlements from Becoming Public Record
If privacy is important to you, settling your case out of court is usually the best way to keep personal injury settlements confidential. Two common alternatives to going to trial are mediation and arbitration.
Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides reach an agreement without involving the court system; it is often quicker and keeps the details private. Arbitration, on the other hand, is a process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing both sides, typically with less formality and some privacy protections, but it may limit your ability to appeal the decision.
While both options can help protect your privacy, they also come with trade-offs, so it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding how to proceed with your case.
When Are Personal Injury Records Confidential?
Personal injury records are typically more confidential when a case is resolved through a settlement rather than going to court. In these situations, many details remain private:
- When no lawsuit is filed: If both parties reach a settlement before filing a lawsuit, the agreement and the parties’ identities may never become part of the public record.
- When the settlement includes a confidentiality clause: Many personal injury settlements include terms that legally prevent either side from disclosing details of the case or the amount of compensation.
- When statements are made during private negotiations: Anything said during settlement discussions typically remains confidential and cannot be used or disclosed outside of those talks.
Because settlements can offer more control over your privacy,
hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you understand how to keep your information protected.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Protect Your Personal Injury Settlement Records
Every personal injury case is unique, and deciding whether to settle privately or go to trial involves weighing privacy concerns alongside legal and financial factors. If you have been injured, the team at Sargon Law is experienced in a variety of
practice areas and can help you understand your options and protect your privacy throughout the process of a personal injury settlement.
Contact us today for personalized guidance on handling your personal injury case and keeping your personal injury records as confidential as possible. We’re here to help you make the best decisions for your situation.
