Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a bustling city with nearly 300,000 residents and a regional population that exceeds 2.3 million. It is a dense, active urban center where everyday travel, work, and leisure can sometimes lead to serious accidents. Across Allegheny County, tens of thousands of emergency room visits each year stem from motor vehicle crashes, falls, and workplace injuries. When these incidents cause significant harm, the road to recovery often involves complex insurance negotiations and legal hurdles.
For anyone hurt through no fault of their own, having a trusted Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer is more than a convenience; it’s a strategic necessity. Understanding why a personal injury lawyer takes your case to trial starts with recognizing the stakes in Pennsylvania’s legal landscape. While many claims settle before court, insurers frequently undervalue or deny fair compensation. A lawyer who’s ready to pursue a trial sends a powerful signal that your rights matter and that you’re prepared to fight for full justice. In Pittsburgh’s competitive legal environment, this willingness can be the difference between a lowball offer and real recovery.
Seeking Fair Compensation
In many cases, insurance companies will make unfair offers when negotiating. However, lawyers are well aware of situations where an offer simply does not compensate for injuries or losses sustained. A courtroom provides an opportunity to seek an amount that is representative of true harm. Skilled attorneys carefully assess the potential risks and rewards of taking a case forward, always aiming to achieve justice.
Disputes Over Liability
Conflicts regarding accountability for an incident can cause cases to proceed to trial. On other occasions, the parties in opposition dispute liability or reduce their participation. If the evidence does not clearly point to responsibility, then it is up to a jury (or a judge) to sort through the facts. Lawyers do due diligence to prepare their arguments to convince a court of their client’s position.
Seriousness of Injuries
Unfortunately, cases with serious injury sometimes also require investigation from all sides. Insurers might contest the characteristics or consequences of the injuries. Competing medical evidence must come under legal scrutiny when experts disagree. This process allows compensation to match the real impact on a person’s life.
Disputed Damages
When it comes to losses after an injury, medical expenses are just the tip of the iceberg. Things often become contentious over pain, suffering, future expenses, lost income, and more. Disagreement arises between parties on the amount due. This spat is often put before a jury and resolved through a complete assessment of the plaintiff’s losses. Having witnesses and documents testifying in court makes it easier to prove a right to fair compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies never lose out on delays or do not negotiate in good faith. These tactics can render a settlement unattainable. Because attorneys are aware of these tactics, they may retaliate by filing a lawsuit. They show they will go to bat for their client, and this can sometimes help them secure better settlement terms if both sides know they are ready to take the fight into the courtroom.
Legal Principles and Precedents
From time to time, cases pose new legal questions or lack clear instructions on the law. This leads to disagreements and the necessity for the courts to intervene. Judges’ answers clarify future cases and direct similar claims. Legal teams weigh the ramifications of such rulings and may opt for a trial to secure a beneficial reading.
Client’s Wishes and Priorities
There are other instances in which clients may prefer airing their grievances in public. A neutral third party, such as a judge or jury, can check the facts and help one find closure. Lawyers respect these wishes and prepare for court appearances. While it can take longer, this path to justice can provide closure.
Strength of Evidence
Bringing solid evidence helps make the best argument before the judge or jury. If lawyers are confident that their documents and the witnesses they plan to call can withstand challenge, going to trial is the most appropriate path. That confidence stems from thoughtful research and planning. If the case presented is persuasive enough, it may culminate in a favorable outcome.
Final Thoughts
Many reasons can lead a personal injury lawyer to decide to take a case to trial. Cases usually involve disputes over compensation, liability, or damages. This may also happen if insurers are slow to pay reasonable settlements or if new legal issues arise. The decision to go to trial also depends on the client’s choice and the strength of the evidence available. By comprehending these factors, those who are injured can be more in control of their legal proceedings and medical treatments. The courtroom promotes justice by allowing both sides to present their arguments and evidence to an unbiased audience.