Jury Trial

Step 8 of 8 · Our Process

A jury trial is the final step in getting you the compensation you deserve. Few cases reach this point, but when an insurance company refuses to be fair, we present your case to a jury of your peers.

How a civil jury trial works

• Jury selection. Both sides question potential jurors to choose a fair jury, usually twelve people from the community.
• Opening statements. Each side outlines what the evidence will show.
• Evidence and testimony. We present witnesses, including you, your doctors and expert witnesses, along with documents, photos and other exhibits. The defense does the same, and each side can cross-examine the other’s witnesses.
• Closing arguments. Each side summarizes the evidence and asks the jury for a specific result.
• Deliberation and verdict. The jury decides who was at fault and the amount of compensation.

How the jury decides

In a California civil case, the jury decides whether it is more likely than not that the defendant was responsible, and the verdict does not have to be unanimous: at least three-fourths of the jurors (nine of twelve) must agree (California Constitution, Article I, § 16). The jury awards economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Under California’s comparative fault rule, the award can be reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.

After the verdict

The losing side may file post-trial motions or an appeal. Settlement discussions can continue during this time, and many cases are resolved without further delay.

Preparing you for trial

You will not walk into the courtroom unprepared. We meet with you before trial to review your testimony, explain courtroom procedures, and answer every question, so you know exactly what to expect.