Verdict
A verdict is the formal decision rendered by a judge or jury at the conclusion of a trial. In mesothelioma cases, jury verdicts can result in substantial compensatory damages (covering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering) and, in some cases, punitive damages intended to punish defendants for egregious conduct.
While most mesothelioma cases settle before trial, cases that proceed to a verdict can result in significant awards. Mesothelioma jury verdicts have ranged from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the evidence of corporate negligence, the severity of the patient's suffering, and the jurisdiction.
A trial verdict carries both higher potential reward and higher risk than settlement. Juries can award compensatory damages (economic and non-economic losses) as well as punitive damages when defendants are found to have acted with willful disregard for safety. However, there is also the risk of an unfavorable verdict or a reduced award on appeal.
The decision to take a case to trial versus accepting a settlement is strategic and depends on the strength of the evidence, the defendant's conduct, and the jurisdiction's track record. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will evaluate these factors and advise whether trial is likely to produce a better outcome than available settlement offers. Learn about your legal options.
- Also known as
- Jury verdict, Trial verdict, Judgment
- Category
- Legal
- Related terms
- Settlement, Deposition, Personal Injury Claim, Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Contingency Fee
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