Being the defense lawyer, I’m still very sympathetic with plaintiff’s lawyers, not try very hard to see the value of the case and try very hard to be sure that the insurance company recognizes that value. The more experienced the plaintiff’s lawyer, the more you settle, because an experienced plaintiff’s lawyer also knows the value of the case. Inexperienced, young plaintiff’s lawyers are likely to greatly overvalue their case, and sometimes plaintiff’s lawyers cannot control their client. They would settle, but the client wants a greater sum.
~ Norma Foster Adams
Kentucky Lawyers Speak, page 20.
The likely jury verdict affects the value of a case which affects the settlement value of a case. Thus, the lawyer’s reputation for trying a case, their experience, and reputation are just one of the factors that affect an opponent’s number. T’is true as much as we do not wish or like to admit it.
