If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. However, before filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland, you must decide whether to have a trial with a jury or without one.
This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of bringing a personal injury case with and without a jury in Maryland.
Bringing a Personal Injury Case With a Jury
Opting for a jury trial introduces both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
Let’s look at some of the benefits of a jury trial:
- Jury awards: Juries may award higher damages than a judge. This outcome is because juries often do not decide cases based on strict legal precedent or formulas but decide cases and award damages based on their perception of what is fair.
- Credibility: Juries comprise individuals from different backgrounds and professions, providing a diverse perspective on the case. This diversity can lend credibility to the plaintiff's case and make it more persuasive.
- Emotional impact: Juries are often more emotionally invested in the case than judges, which can work in the plaintiff's favor. They may sympathize with the plaintiff and award higher damages.
Cons
Possible drawbacks of a jury trial include the following:
- Unpredictable: Juries are unpredictable, and the outcome of the case is not guaranteed. This unpredictability can be a risk for both the plaintiff and the defendant.
- Time-consuming: Jury trials can take longer than non-jury trials, resulting in a longer wait for resolution.
Bringing a Personal Injury Case Without a Jury
A trial without a jury also presents pros and cons.
Pros
The upside of a non-jury trial is that it allows for:
- Predictability: When a case is tried without a jury, the outcome is typically more predictable, as the judge is bound by legal precedent and formulas.
- Time-savings: Trials without a jury often take less time than jury trials, which can result in a quicker resolution.
- Simplification: Non-jury trials often simplify complex cases as they do not require a jury to understand the legal arguments and evidence presented.
Cons
A non-jury trial is not without its disadvantages. These include:
- Lower damages: Judges are often more conservative when awarding damages, resulting in lower compensation for the plaintiff.
- Less emotional impact: Judges are less emotionally invested in the case than a jury, which can work against the plaintiff's favor. Judges may be less sympathetic and award lower damages as a result.
Navigating the Jury Dilemma With Legal Help
Deciding whether to bring a personal injury case with or without a jury in Maryland is a critical decision that can impact the outcome. Jury trials can result in higher damages but are unpredictable and time-consuming. Trials without a jury are more predictable and time-saving but often result in lower damages.
Ultimately, the decision to bring a case with or without a jury should be made in consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the facts and provide you with informed advice.
To speak with our Timonium lawyer at Law Office of Justin A. Wallace, LLC, please call (410) 996-4488 or connect online.