Securities Fraud Lawyer in San Francisco, CA
When dealing with a securities fraud lawsuit, there is a chance you may be approached with a settlement offer from the person or group you’re suing. If you’re not sure how to handle the situation, here is a simple guide on how to respond.
What is a Settlement?
Generally speaking, a settlement is a financial negotiation that allows the defendant to pay off their debt to the plaintiff. In most cases, settlements are ultimately less than the original amount owed — the idea is that the defendant pays some or most of their debt to ensure the plaintiff receives some sort of compensation, and it also allows for a fairly swift conclusion of the case. Instead of spending the time, resources and energy it takes to fight for the full amount of monetary compensation in court, a settlement is meant to be an agreeable middle ground for both parties that negates the need for lengthy trials.
When Should a Settlement Be Accepted?
There are plenty of reasons a settlement could be beneficial to you, including:
- Guaranteed compensation. By accepting a settlement, you’re guaranteed to receive at least some (if not most) of what is owed to you. There is a good chance that your settlement offer will be anywhere from 50-75% of the original amount.
- An end to the case. Dealing with a lengthy court case can cause you tremendous stress. Accepting a settlement allows you to quickly put an end to the headache.
- Ability to proceed without a lawyer. Along with swiftly ending the case, accepting the settlement means you no longer need to worry about paying for a lawyer.
No matter the case, it’s important to remember that you always have the option of negotiating with the defendant on the settlement amount.
When Should a Settlement Be Declined?
Of course, there are reasons not to accept a settlement as well. Namely, you will not be receiving the full amount owed to you by the defendant. In some cases, settlements are used as a tool that allows the defendant to avoid having to pay the full cost. If you’re determined to fight for everything you’re owed, it may be wise to hold off on accepting a settlement offer.
Every securities fraud case is different, so it’s important to speak with our securities fraud lawyer in San Francisco, CA. At Morales Law Firm our securities fraud lawyers are trusted and ready to help you. If you’re still unsure how to make the right decision, contact us today to learn more about your specific settlement offer.
