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What Happens if I Lose My Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you go to trial for a personal injury claim, there is always a possibility that you may not win. Ultimately, it is up to the jury to make a decision with the information they have been given, including the judge’s instructions, evidence from both parties, witness and expert testimony, etc.

What Does Losing a Personal Injury Case Mean?

When you lose a personal injury lawsuit, the defendant is not required to pay your damages stemming from your injury. In other words, if the jury finds the individual you feel is responsible for your injury not liable, the defendant is not obligated to pay your medical costs, legal costs, and other damages related to the harm you sustained.

What to Do After Losing a Personal Injury Suit

There are limited options after losing a personal injury lawsuit. However, you can file an appeal through your state court appeals process. While this option is viable, it may be difficult, not to mention your case is only eligible for an appeal when you believe the judge or jury made a mistake during the trial process. Examples include when:

• The judge withholds evidence from the jury
• A witness is not taken seriously despite being an expert
• A juror fails to disclose a conflict of interest
• A juror discusses the case with outsiders, not on the jury

When you feel mistakes were made, consult a lawyer to evaluate the circumstances of your case. Then, if you and your attorney decide an appeal is the right option for you, you can move forward with the process; however, it is imperative that you have a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims and is ready to fight for you.

What If I’m Not Eligible for An Appeal?

After determining that you are not eligible for an appeal of your personal injury claim, you must figure out how to pay your medical and legal costs. Yes, it’s a little daunting, but you have some options.

1. Set up a payment plan – There are likely payment plan options through your hospital, healthcare provider, or law firm to help make paying your bills more manageable by spreading out payments over a long period.
2. File a claim with your insurance provider – Your insurance provider may be able to subsidize—or pay part of the cost of—your medical bills.
3. Take out a loan – You can contact a representative at your bank to discuss taking out a loan to help cover the costs of your medical and legal bills, of course, with the contingency that you pay the loan back over time. You could also reach out to a family member.
4. File for bankruptcy – This is a last resort, but still an option. By filing for bankruptcy, you will liquidate or sell your assets to pay your bills.

Losing your personal injury lawsuit is difficult. However, at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, our skilled attorneys will review your case and help you through the legal process moving forward. Call today.