My old law school professor once said when clients say it’s not about the money but the principle,… it’s about the money. Well the law lets you put your money where your mouth is.
This is called an Offer of Judgment.
Soon after you sue someone for injuring you, the defendant’s lawyers will often send you a letter offering to settle. For example, they may offer you $50,000 to settle. At the same time, they will tell the judge in your case that they offered to settle.
If you do not accept the 50k within 30 days, you are at risk.
If you go to trial (arbitrator, judge, or jury) and get awarded less than 50k, you must pay the defendant’s law firm’s legal costs. Costs could be as much as $100,000.00 if attorney’s fees are involved.
So instead of getting 50k for your injuries, you could be forced to pay 100k to the law firm representing the person who injured you.
The proverbial Sword of Damocles in law.
Your Money Where Your Mouth is: Offer of Judgments