When you’ve been injured in an accident, choosing the right personal injury attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Many people assume that all personal injury lawyers are equally prepared to go to trial, but that’s not the case. In fact, many attorneys handle only negotiations and settlements, rarely (if ever) stepping foot in a courtroom.
If you want the strongest possible representation, you need an attorney with real trial experience. Here’s why it matters, especially in Wisconsin personal injury cases.
1. Insurance Companies Know Who’s Willing to Fight
Insurance companies keep track of which attorneys actually take cases to trial and which ones settle every time. If the insurer knows your lawyer avoids the courtroom, they may be less motivated to offer you a fair settlement. An attorney with a proven trial record shows the other side that they can’t simply wait you out; they must take your claim seriously or risk facing a jury.
2. Trial Experience Shapes Case Strategy From Day One
A trial-tested attorney prepares every case as if it will go to court. This means gathering strong evidence, lining up credible witnesses, and developing persuasive arguments early in the process. Even if your case ultimately settles, this preparation often leads to better settlement offers because the other side sees how strong your case really is.
3. Juries Can Mean Bigger Recoveries
In Wisconsin, juries often award damages that reflect the full impact of an injury, not just medical bills, but lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs. An attorney experienced in presenting cases to a jury understands how to communicate your story effectively, connecting the facts of the case to the human impact on your life.
4. Some Cases Simply Need to Go to Trial
While most personal injury cases settle before trial, some disputes can’t be resolved through negotiation. If liability is contested or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, going to trial may be your best, or only, path to justice. You don’t want your attorney learning trial skills on your case. You need an experienced trial attorney to best present your case to the jury.
5. Wisconsin Courts Have Their Own Rules and Nuances
Every jurisdiction has its own procedures, local customs, and judicial tendencies. A Wisconsin personal injury lawyer with trial experience understands how to navigate local court rules, work effectively with judges and opposing counsel, and present your case in a way that resonates with Wisconsin jurors.
If you’ve been injured, hire a personal injury lawyer with a history of success in the courtroom. Their trial experience can increase your chances of a favorable settlement, and if your case goes to trial, you’ll have an advocate who knows how to fight and win for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Wisconsin, our experienced trial attorneys at Doar, Drill & Skow are ready to stand up for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.