What To Expect In a Hartford Personal Injury Trial

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Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but when a case goes to trial, the stages include jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examination, closing arguments, jury instructions, jury deliberation, and verdict announcement. Choosing the appropriate lawyer at Bert Law Firm is critical because they can help with evidence collection, documentation, expert selection, discussions with insurance companies, and, if necessary, guiding the case through trial. 

What is jury selection?

The first step in a Hartford jury trial is jury selection. Potential jurors are brought to the courthouse, and some may be dismissed right away for a variety of reasons. The judge discusses the case, and attorneys interrogate potential jurors to discover any prejudices or issues that might impair their impartiality. Finally, a final jury is chosen to proceed with the trial. Bench trials, on the other hand, do not entail jury selection because they are presided over by a single judge.

What are opening statements?

What basically happens in the opening statement is both the plaintiff's and defendant's attorneys make opening statements to the jury, in which they describe their evidence. Meanwhile, the plaintiff's attorney demonstrates the defendant's liability for the injuries and damages, whereas the defense attorney tries to refute the plaintiff's claims. 

What is witness testimony?

Both attorneys summon witnesses to the stand during the witness testimony phase, which might include the defendant, eyewitnesses to the accident, medical professionals, and expert witnesses. This step entails providing the jury with numerous types of evidence, including photos, documents, recordings, and medical statements, to shed light on the events of the case.

What happens in cross-examination?

The opposing party examines the witness during cross-examination to challenge or undermine their testimony. They may attempt to discredit or diminish the significance of the witness's statements. Following cross-examination, the party who summoned the witness may ask follow-up questions.

What are closing arguments?

Both attorneys make their cases legally and fight for the interests of their clients during closing arguments, which summarize and analyze the evidence previously provided. There is no more proof that can be presented after this. The attorneys for the parties exchange opening statements before the plaintiff has one final opportunity to respond to the defendant's closing arguments.

Final thoughts:

Lastly, the judge instructs the jury on the legal framework and what they must decide, and then the jury deliberates to determine the defendant's liability and any compensation owed to the plaintiff, with the verdict and potential compensation amount announced in the courtroom.