more money if you go through the trial. A settlement usually means you get money for what happened sooner, but the amount may not be as much as you’d receive otherwise. But what about a verdict? Well, a verdict comes at the end of the full court proceeding. After we go through all the hoops, the jury will recess to discuss the case and then come back with what they think. That’s the verdict, which is the collective wisdom and voice of the community. Our jury process is a foundational tool to put the value on a human life and hold people and companies accountable. Thomas Jefferson said it best, the jury system is “justice by the people.” I love to go to trial and am proud to be a trial lawyer. Whether a settlement or verdict is best for your case is a decision that you will make on your case after being informed of the risks and benefits of moving forward to trial. It is my job as the trial lawyer to get your case prepared to go to trial. Insurance companies value a case that creates exposure for them more than a case that has a team begging to settle. What I want more than anything is to protect your interests and get justice for what you’ve endured. SETTLEMENT VS. VERDICT Which Is Better for Your Case?
There are two ways to close your personal injury case for good: a settlement or a verdict. Which one is going to work best for you? Well, that depends on the specifics of your case. Once we get the wheels moving on your case, a settlement may be an option at any time. A settlement just means that both sides of the case agree on a dollar amount that you will be paid. If you agree to take it, everything else stops and the case is over. If the at-fault party looks at the facts of the case and decides they probably aren’t going to do well in court, they’ll usually offer you an amount of money and try to get you to take it instead of going through with the whole court process. But settlements can also happen once a trial is underway.
Your attorney is your best advocate when negotiating a settlement. They’ll know whether the deal is a good one or whether you can get
MEMES
APPLE CIDER CHICKEN
With cool fall weather comes the desire for hot, comforting meals. Take advantage of fall’s abundance of apples to make this savory dish.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • ½ Vidalia onion, chopped 1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. 3. Add remaining butter, onion, apple, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Sauté until apple DIRECTIONS
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into ¼-inch wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 teaspoons dried thyme • 2 bay leaves • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1½ cups apple cider
begins to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add flour and stir for 2–3 minutes. 4. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes.
Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com
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