Using Visual Aids to Settle a Case

Courtrooms throughout the country are slowly beginning to reopen after being closed for much of the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although much of the legal community is eager to return to the courtroom and finalize its pending cases, there are reports of backlogs in hundreds of courthouses throughout the country. Now, more than ever, it is important for attorneys to seek a fair settlement on behalf of their clients—otherwise, they may be waiting another year or longer to close their claims.

The discovery phase

As attorneys know, many, many cases are settled during the discovery phase. Exchanging documents, photos, diagrams, video footage, and other pieces of evidence often launches the parties into settlement negotiations. Once the parties “show their cards,” so to speak, it is much more likely that a settlement will be reached.

Many attorneys and law firms wait until a trial date has been set to hire a litigation consultation and trial technology company. However, it is also beneficial to hire a company like TrialSpectrum, Inc. during the discovery phase.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our experts can assist your firm with creating a variety of visual aids. We will partner with you to learn about your case, your arguments, and your ultimate goals for your client. Then, we will determine which types of media are best for your audience and would strengthen and solidify your arguments. For example, in a car accident claim, diagrams created to reconstruct an accident are often powerful tools, as they demonstrate how a crash occurred. Animations are useful tools to explain construction defects or health conditions within the body.

When you submit strong visual aids in your discovery responses, your opponent will realize that your arguments in the courtroom will be compelling, which may persuade the opposing side to consider settling. Additionally, it is difficult to refuse to settle at least part of a claim once a party realizes how strong the opponent’s arguments are.

Mediation

Mediation is another method used to facilitate settlements. A highly effective tool, even the most contentious cases often settle during mediation. The assistance of a third-party neutral has proven invaluable in cases of all types and of all sizes.

Many attorneys simply bring their office files and little else with them to mediation. However, although mediation is not as formal a proceeding as a courtroom hearing, it is still worth the effort to thoroughly prepare. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of litigation consultants and trial technology experts are skilled in determining which visual aids may have the largest impact on both the opposing party and the mediator, depending on the facts of the case. With our assistance, your chances of settling your case increase significantly.

Since mediation does not have strict rules that govern the submission of exhibits, we have much more flexibility in the types of visual aids we can create on your behalf. We can edit videos, print exhibit boards, create packets, supply high resolution photographs, and more.

We are available to assist with all types of cases

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team has assisted law firms throughout the United States with cases of all types, including antitrust matters, breach of contract, dental malpractice, intellectual property issues, products liability cases, and more. No matter what type of case you have, we can help.

Call today to learn about our services

If you would like to learn more about the services we offer at TrialSpectrum, Inc., give us a call at 1-800-789-0084 or visit our website. We would be glad to go over the products and packages we offer with you to tailor our services to your needs.

Make an Impression on the Jury

Submitting Video Footage in Courtroom Hearings and Trials

Provided that an attorney can overcome any relevant evidentiary hurdles, the use of video footage as an exhibit in court can be a powerful tool that leaves a lasting impression on the judge and jury. Since the pandemic began last year, many jurisdictions have waived some restrictions on submitting video footage in court. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of litigation consultation and trial technology experts are available to determine the best method for submitting video footage in your case.

Make an Impression on the Jury

Security camera footage, dash cam videos, cell phone videos—all can have a significant impact on the jury and its decision, if used properly. Our experienced team of professionals will go over possible video evidence with you and help you determine how and when to use it in your case. Playing a video at just the right time heightens its impact on your audience.

Further, in today’s world, judges and juries often expect some type of video footage, depending on the type of case. For example, in a motor vehicle accident case, a juror may expect to see traffic camera footage, security camera footage from local businesses, and even recordings from video doorbells. Meeting a jury’s expectations has serious advantages when it is time to deliberate.

The Video Itself is Not Enough

Say you have a video that you believe will be an excellent piece of evidence in your case. However, you must also consider the quality of the video itself. Are you able to hear everything clearly in the video, or is the sound muffled? Can you see everything, or is the footage grainy? You may be able to tell what is going on in the video clip, but it must be clear for the judge and jury, or else the value of the video is miniscule.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of trial technology experts can examine your video footage and edit it as needed to improve its clarity and quality. If you have been limited by the court to certain portions of video footage, we can edit and splice various clips as well.

Our group of professionals will travel to the venue in which your legal proceeding is being conducted to study its lighting, acoustics, Internet access, and general layout to determine the best way to present your video. We may be able to provide screens or monitors to enhance a video’s display, and we also have audio equipment available for rent that ensures the judge and jury hear your video clearly. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that there will be no technological failures on the date of your proceeding, as we are available to set up equipment, play videos, and provide in-person technical support.

Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today to Learn More About Our Services

The team members of TrialSpectrum, Inc., have traveled to numerous venues throughout the United States to help law firms with legal proceedings of all types. Whether you have an hour-long hearing or a multi-day trial, we can help you prepare an effective presentation.

To set up a time to discuss your legal proceeding with TrialSpectrum, Inc., call 1-800-789-0084 or visit our website today.

Selecting the Best Expert Witness for Your Case

Expert witnesses often add a significant amount of value to a case. Expert witnesses help the jury understand complex issues, such as medical errors or engineering practices, that the average layperson does not comprehend. When the jurors have a clear understanding of a case, they may be willing to add tens of thousands of dollars to a verdict.

However, selecting the proper expert witness is crucial for any case, whether it involves medical malpractice, insurance matters, or construction defects. An expert with numerous qualifications and degrees will add little value to a case if that expert cannot effectively communicate with the jury. How do you know if your expert will be an effective witness?

The Expert Witness’s Experience in the Courtroom

Testifying in a case involves much more than simply telling the jury about a subject matter. An expert witness must effectively answer questions from opposing counsel and must appear credible to the jury. If the jury does not believe the expert is being truthful and transparent, the jury will likely dismiss the expert’s testimony.

Expert witnesses who have previously testified in a variety of legal proceedings often make good candidates for upcoming trials. These individuals are experienced in being cross-examined and understand the trial process. They understand that the facts of the case must match relevant laws and regulations. Of course, expert witnesses just breaking into offering their testimony at trial may be able to offer fresh perspectives to a jury.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are able to work with the expert to ensure he or she is thoroughly prepared for your trial.

Communication, Communication, Communication

How effectively does the expert explain complex ideas? Does the expert speak clearly? Is the expert engaging and interesting? Many experts who look remarkable on paper are woefully ineffective in front of a jury. As we prepare for your trial, we want to select an expert who keeps the jury’s attention, breaks complex concepts down into simpler terms, and refutes the positions of the opposing party.

Allow Plenty of Time to Find an Expert

As attorneys know, it takes many months or longer for a case to be scheduled for trial. There are numerous hurdles the parties must overcome before a court places a trial on the docket. However, the sooner you begin your search for the perfect expert witness, the better. Researching credentials, scheduling meetings (including virtual meetings), and preparing testimony all take weeks. In addition, depositions, hearings, and, of course, the trial date must all be coordinated with the expert’s schedule.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are prepared to begin working on your case. We will go over, in detail, your goals for your client and provide a roadmap as to how we can help you accomplish these goals. In addition, we are also able to help you prepare effective arguments and create exhibits for you to use in the courtroom. We have a variety of technology services available for your benefit as well.

To Learn More About TrialSpectrum, Inc., Contact Us Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we provide high quality litigation consultation and trial technology services to firms throughout the country. To schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the services we provide, call 800-789-0084 or visit our website today.