3 Things to Expect During a Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit Settlement
If you’ve been falsely imprisoned you’ve got the right to file a claim. But, there are a few things you need to be aware of if you plan on accepting a wrongful arrest lawsuit settlement.
However, before looking at what these things are let’s first understand what wrongful arrest means.
What constitutes wrongful arrest?
False arrest, also known as wrongful arrest or alternatively false imprisonment happens when a law enforcement agent (or private individual) takes you into custody or holds you against your will without charges.
It is a crime that infringes upon civil rights. This gives the victim (plaintiff) a right to file a civil lawsuit, suing the perpetrators (defendant) for damages.
Now, here’s what can happen with your settleme
1. You may not need to go to trial
Your case may go to trial if the plaintiff and defendant fail to agree on a structured settlement outside of court. But in the event that a wrongful arrest lawsuit settlement has been accepted by the defendant, the case doesn’t need to go to trial.
2. You don’t get a lump sum
When both parties decide to settle a claim, a cash amount is generally negotiated. This is an exchange where the plaintiff agrees to drop the lawsuit against the defendant. What many don’t know however is that the payment isn’t one huge payout. It is spread out over several months – sometimes even years – through an annuity in most cases.
3. The money is distributed through an annuity
The defendant purchases an annuity from a life insurance company through their attorney/consultant. It is the duty of the consultant to set up the annuity to reflect the settlement terms and conditions. Once this is done the annuity cannot be amended. Payouts will be made to the plaintiff according to what has been agreed upon.
Wrap up
Steering Law Firm has an impressive record of wrongful arrest lawsuit settlements and has worked with clients across LA, Riverside, Orange County, San Bernadino, and San Diego. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: This blog post does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney for case-specific questions.
