Why Defense Lawyers Don’t Want to Settle Personal Injury Cases
Saturday, March 31st, 2012It would be reasonable to think that a defense lawyer in a personal injury case would save the insurer money, and thereby be more useful, by settling small claims rather than taking them to court. However, when dealing with defense counsel, things are sometimes the opposite of what you would expect. This is why having a Dallas personal injury lawyer in your corner is essential.
Defense lawyers make the lion’s share of their income from litigation. They don’t work on commission, nor are they paid bonuses to settle cases early in the process. They make their money hourly. Imagine hiring a crew of workers to build an addition to your home. You tell them it doesn’t matter how long it takes to finish, and that they will be paid hourly. There is no incentive for them to work quickly or efficiently. Such is the life of the defense lawyer who represents insurance companies in personal injury claims.
You and your Dallas personal injury lawyer may even be willing to settle for less than your demand, and all but communicate this to the defense. More than likely they will continue to drag their feet, happily sending the insurance company bills with the notation, “Reviewing files.”
This may seem horribly inefficient, but ultimately it is often an effective way of getting plaintiffs to simply give up. These defense lawyers know that lawyers for a plaintiff may not be willing to take a case all the way to trial if the case is small. There is also the potential that the defense will win before a jury.
All this is not to suggest you should throw up your hands in despair. If you have suffered an injury in an accident that is the fault of another, you should seek remuneration. Just bear in mind that the process of winning your claim may not be as smooth as you would like.
It is often useful to have legal representation when pursuing a claim. If you have been injured in an accident, call Dallas personal injury lawyer Dean Malone for a consultation at (214) 670-9989.
- Guest Contributor


