What to Expect When Your Case Goes to Trial: A Guide for Clients
At Zimmaro Law, our goal is always to resolve your case efficiently and effectively whether through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a case proceeds to trial. If that happens, it’s natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never been involved in a lawsuit before.
Here’s what you should expect and how we prepare our clients for trial.
How Often Do Cases Go to Trial?
It’s important to know that less than 5% of civil cases actually go to trial. The vast majority settle often just before trial begins. Still, we treat every case from day one as if it might go to trial. That means thorough preparation from start to finish: gathering evidence, taking depositions, researching case law, and building a compelling strategy.
Trial Preparation: What It Involves
Once it’s clear your case is heading to trial, we’ll have plenty of notice, usually six to eight months in advance, depending on the county. For example, in Allegheny County, cases are placed on a trial list, and attorneys are notified well ahead of time.
During this preparation phase, we will:
- Work with witnesses: This includes preparing you, the plaintiff, to testify. We’ll also prep any expert or fact witnesses who may take the stand.
- Build exhibits: Charts, documents, photos, or digital presentations may be used to support your case in court.
- Strategize for both sides: We prepare to present your case and challenge the defense’s arguments and witnesses.
- Estimate trial duration: Both parties typically agree on how long a trial will take. Most civil trials last a few days to a week.
Preparing the Client
Trial is often the most emotionally taxing part of a case. We’ll spend time helping you understand not just what to say but how to say it, and how to conduct yourself in front of the jury.
Jurors pay close attention, not just to what’s said on the witness stand, but also to body language, expressions, and behavior throughout the trial. You’re being observed at all times, even when you’re not testifying. Our job is to help you be calm, confident, and prepared for that spotlight.
We’re also mindful that this process can be especially difficult in emotionally sensitive cases such as wrongful death or serious injury lawsuits. We walk alongside you every step of the way, offering not just legal support, but practical and emotional guidance.
What Happens at Trial?
At trial, both sides present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments. After closing statements, the case is handed over to the jury (or judge, in a bench trial) for a verdict.
A verdict is not the same as a settlement. Unlike negotiated settlements, verdicts are binding decisions made by a jury. They may find in favor of one party, or determine that both parties share some responsibility, what’s known as comparative fault.
The Bottom Line
Going to trial is rare, but when it happens, it’s serious. It involves careful planning, emotional resilience, and a legal team committed to doing the hard work. At Zimmaro Law, we approach every case with the diligence and readiness it deserves so if your day in court arrives, you’re fully prepared.
If you have questions about trial preparation or your legal options, contact us for a consultation.