LEGAL JARGON EXPLAINED – SETTLEMENT V. VERDICT

This is a source of constant confusion. People often ask what is the difference between a settlement and a verdict. Here is the answer:

When a case settles, it is because both sides have come to an agreement on their own. A settlement can happen at any time during the life of a case, even during a trial. Most cases end up settling out of court because it is a way to limit the risk of trial. Even the best case still has a risk that the jury members will decide something unexpected.

A verdict is decided by a jury (or a judge if there is no jury) and it comes at the end of a trial.