How Often Are Lawsuits Settled Out of Court?

How Often Are Lawsuits Settled Out of Court?

Many legal cases never make it all the way to trial. Instead, the parties often reach agreements before setting foot in the courtroom. But how often are lawsuits settled out of court? Understanding how frequently people choose to settle and why can give you a clearer idea of what direction might make sense for your own case.

What Is an Out‑of‑Court Settlement?

An out-of-court settlement is an agreement you make with the other party to resolve a legal dispute without going through a full trial. Instead of leaving the decision up to a judge or jury, you and the other side negotiate a resolution that usually involves payment of money for damages. You can reach this agreement at any point during the case, whether before a lawsuit is even filed or right before trial begins.

Are Most Personal Injury Lawsuits Settled Out of Court?

Yes, the vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are resolved through settlement rather than trial. Trials can be lengthy, expensive and unpredictable. Settlements allow both parties to maintain more control over the outcome and avoid the risk of leaving the decision in the hands of a jury.

For many injury victims, settling out of court means getting faster access to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other expenses. Going through a trial can take a year or more in busy court systems. For example, civil cases in Maricopa County, Arizona, often take 12–18 months from filing to reach a trial date.

When Should You Not Settle Out of Court?

Settling a lawsuit out of court isn’t always the right move. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, it may not be in your best interest to accept. Similarly, if liability is strongly in your favor and you have a high chance of winning a larger award at trial, pursuing your case in court may be the better option.

Other times, defendants may refuse to negotiate in good faith or may hide key evidence. In those situations, proceeding to trial could be the only way to achieve a fair result. Discussing settlement details with your lawyer can help you decide if you should reject a settlement offer.



What Are the Pros and Cons of Out‑of‑Court Settlements?

Settling out of court can be a valuable option, but it comes with benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Out-of-Court Settlements

When you settle your lawsuit outside of court, you may experience several advantages:

• Faster resolution than a trial
• Lower legal expenses overall
• More control over the outcome

Settling can give you access to funds for medical treatment and lost income much sooner, while also sparing you from the uncertainty of an uncapped jury award that could go either way.

Disadvantages of Out-of-Court Settlements

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when settling:

• The settlement amount may be lower than a jury award
• Limited opportunity to appeal once accepted
• Defendant may not admit fault, leaving a lesser sense of accountability

These pros and cons highlight why it’s important to review your options carefully. Every case has different priorities, and the right decision depends on your needs, goals and the strength of your claim.

Personal Injury Attorneys Maximize Out-of-Court Settlements

Your lawyer’s job is to fight for every dollar you’re entitled to. That means preparing your case in detail, backing it up with solid evidence and working aggressively to negotiate settlements instead of letting your insurance company dictate the terms.



If you need help settling a lawsuit out of court, contact Sargon Law Group today. With our personal injury attorneys by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we protect your future and make sure you don’t walk away with less than you deserve.