When a birth injury trial concludes, the jury’s verdict might feel like the end of a long legal process. However, it’s often just the beginning of a new phase where important post-trial procedures come into play. These procedures are essential for enforcing judgments, filing appeals, or negotiating settlements, and they provide opportunities to refine, challenge, or enforce the trial’s outcome.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key aspects of post-trial procedures in birth injury lawsuits. Whether you’re a plaintiff seeking compensation or a defendant addressing the court’s judgment, understanding these processes is crucial.

Post-Trial Procedures in Birth Injury Lawsuits

What Happens After a Birth Injury Trial?

When the jury delivers its verdict, the legal process doesn’t end immediately. Post-trial procedures ensure that the case concludes in a fair and enforceable manner. These steps can involve revisiting aspects of the trial, appealing the verdict, or enforcing the awarded judgment.

Key Post-Trial Steps

  1. Filing Post-Judgment Motions
    If either party identifies issues with the trial, they can file motions to request corrections or reconsiderations.
  2. Appealing the Verdict
    If a party believes that errors occurred during the trial, they can request a higher court to review the case.
  3. Enforcing the Judgment
    For plaintiffs awarded damages, post-trial actions might be necessary to collect the money, especially if the defendant resists payment.

Why These Steps Matter

Post-trial procedures are critical for ensuring justice and fairness. They allow parties to address unresolved issues, refine outcomes, and secure compensation. For instance, plaintiffs in birth injury lawsuits often rely on these procedures to navigate the complexities of enforcing large financial judgments.

Injured and Have Questions?

Understanding Post-Judgment Motions

Post-judgment motions are formal requests to the court to revisit its decisions. These motions are often filed soon after the verdict is delivered and provide an opportunity to correct errors or address new information.

What Are Post-Judgment Motions?
A post-judgment motion asks the court to reconsider specific aspects of the case. For example, a motion might request adjustments to the awarded damages or a new trial due to procedural mistakes.

Types of Post-Judgment Motions

Motion for a New Trial
If errors occurred during the trial—such as juror misconduct, improper admission of evidence, or incorrect jury instructions—a party may request a new trial.

Motion to Amend the Judgment
This motion allows a party to seek changes to the judgment. For example, if the damages awarded are deemed excessive or inadequate, the court can review and adjust the amount.

When to File These Motions

Post-judgment motions must usually be filed within a strict timeframe, often 10 to 30 days after the verdict. This tight window emphasizes the importance of acting quickly and consulting legal counsel.

The Impact of Post-Judgment Motions

These motions can be highly effective in resolving disputes without escalating to appeals. For example, if a motion highlights clear errors in the trial, the court may address them directly, avoiding the need for prolonged litigation.

 

Appealing the Verdict in Birth Injury Cases

Appeals provide a structured way to challenge the trial court’s decisions. Unlike a retrial, an appeal focuses on reviewing legal errors rather than re-examining evidence.

What Is an Appeal?
An appeal is a formal process where a higher court reviews the trial court’s proceedings to determine if legal errors affected the outcome. It is not a second trial but a review of the legal basis for the verdict.

Steps to Appeal a Birth Injury Verdict

  1. File a Notice of Appeal
    This document informs the court and opposing party of your intention to appeal. It must be filed within a specific timeframe, often 30 days.
  2. Prepare the Record
    The appellate court reviews the trial transcripts, evidence, and filings to identify potential errors.
  3. Submit Legal Briefs
    Both parties submit detailed written arguments. The appellant outlines why the verdict should be overturned, while the appellee defends the trial court’s decision.
  4. Present Oral Arguments
    In some cases, attorneys present oral arguments before the appellate court to clarify legal points.

Grounds for Appeals

  1. Procedural Errors: Mistakes in how the trial was conducted, such as improper jury instructions.
  2. Evidentiary Issues: Inclusion or exclusion of critical evidence that may have influenced the outcome.
  3. Excessive or Inadequate Damages: Claims that the awarded damages do not align with the evidence.

Potential Outcomes

The appellate court may:

  • Affirm the Verdict: Uphold the trial court’s decision.
  • Reverse the Verdict: Overturn the decision entirely.
  • Remand the Case: Send the case back to the trial court for further proceedings or a new trial.

Importance of Professional Representation

The appeals process is highly technical and requires thorough knowledge of legal standards and precedents. Hiring an experienced appellate attorney is essential to presenting a strong case.

 

Judgment Enforcement in Birth Injury Lawsuits

Winning a favorable verdict is only part of the journey. Plaintiffs often face challenges in collecting the damages awarded by the court. Judgment enforcement ensures that defendants comply with their legal obligations.

How Are Judgments Enforced?

If a defendant refuses to pay voluntarily, plaintiffs can use various enforcement mechanisms:

  • Wage Garnishment: A portion of the defendant’s wages is redirected to the plaintiff until the judgment is satisfied.
  • Liens on Property: The court can place a lien on the defendant’s property, preventing its sale or transfer until payment is made.
  • Bank Account Levies: Funds are withdrawn directly from the defendant’s bank account to fulfill the judgment.

Common Challenges
Defendants may attempt to evade payment by hiding assets or declaring bankruptcy. These actions can delay enforcement and require additional legal steps.

Legal Support for Judgment Enforcement
An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of enforcing a judgment, ensuring that plaintiffs receive the compensation they are entitled to.

 

Settlement Negotiations Post-Trial

Even after a trial concludes, parties often explore settlement negotiations as an alternative to prolonged legal battles. These discussions can lead to mutually agreeable resolutions.

Why Negotiate After a Trial?

Post-trial settlements may arise in situations where:

  • The defendant seeks to avoid the costs and risks of an appeal.
  • The plaintiff prefers a quicker resolution to avoid the challenges of enforcement.

Benefits of Post-Trial Settlements

  1. Faster Resolution: Settlements avoid the delays associated with appeals or enforcement.
  2. Certainty: A settlement guarantees a specific outcome, eliminating uncertainty.
  3. Lower Costs: Both parties save on legal fees and court costs.

Examples of Successful Post-Trial Settlements
In many cases, defendants agree to pay a lump sum or structured payments as part of a settlement, providing plaintiffs with timely compensation.

 

Adjustments to Jury Verdicts

Sometimes, the court may adjust the jury’s verdict to ensure fairness and accuracy. These adjustments are particularly relevant in cases involving large financial awards.

How Are Verdicts Adjusted?

Courts can modify verdicts in several ways:

  1. Increasing or Decreasing Damages
    If the awarded damages are excessive or inadequate, the court may adjust the amount.
  2. Correcting Legal Errors
    Errors in the trial process that impacted the verdict can be addressed through post-trial motions.

Why Verdict Adjustments Matter
In high-stakes cases like birth injury lawsuits, these adjustments ensure that the verdict aligns with the evidence and legal standards.

Injured and Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I appeal the verdict of a birth injury lawsuit?
Yes, you can appeal the verdict if you believe there were legal errors during the trial or if the outcome is unjust. Appeals focus on reviewing the trial’s legal processes, not re-trying the case. Consult with an appellate attorney to determine the strength of your appeal.

How do I collect the damages awarded in a birth injury case?
If the defendant refuses to pay voluntarily, you can enforce the judgment through legal mechanisms like wage garnishment, property liens, or bank account levies. An attorney can assist in navigating these enforcement procedures.

What are post-judgment motions, and why are they important?
Post-judgment motions are formal requests to the court to reconsider or modify the judgment. These motions can address errors, seek adjustments to the awarded damages, or request a new trial. Filing these motions is often a critical step in refining the case outcome.

Can a settlement still be reached after the trial?
Yes, parties can negotiate a settlement even after the trial concludes. Post-trial settlements can provide faster resolutions and eliminate the risks and costs of appeals or enforcement actions.

What happens if the damages awarded are too low or too high?
You can file a motion to amend the judgment if the damages awarded seem insufficient or excessive. Courts have the authority to adjust verdicts to ensure fairness and accuracy.

 

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today

Navigating the post-trial phase of a birth injury lawsuit can be complex and emotionally draining. From filing appeals to enforcing judgments, every step requires careful planning and professional guidance.

If you’re dealing with post-trial procedures, consult an experienced attorney. Their expertise can help you secure justice and the compensation your family deserves. Reach out to Matzus Law, LLC today to take the next step in your legal journey.