Illinois Offer of Judgment — Personal Injury: The Illinois Offer of Judgment is a legal procedure in personal injury cases that allows parties to make settlement offers to one another before heading to trial. This offer is a strategic tool used to encourage settlement discussions and resolve disputes more efficiently. It aims to promote fair and timely resolution, saving both parties time, money, and unnecessary stress. In personal injury cases, when a plaintiff believes they are entitled to compensation due to another party's negligence or intentional harm, they can make an Offer of Judgment. This offer specifies the amount of money the plaintiff is willing to accept as a settlement. If the defendant chooses to accept the offer, the case will be resolved, and the agreed-upon amount will be paid. However, if the defendant rejects the Offer of Judgment and the final jury verdict ends up being more favorable for the plaintiff, the defendant may face adverse consequences. In such cases, the plaintiff may be entitled to certain benefits, such as attorney fees, costs, and post-offer interest at a higher rate. It is important to note that there are different types of Illinois Offer of Judgment in personal injury cases, aimed at different outcomes: 1. Illinois Offer of Judgment — Pre-Trial: This offer is made before the trial starts, during the pre-trial negotiation and settlement phase. It serves as an opportunity for both parties to gauge the likelihood of success at trial and explore potential settlement options. 2. Illinois Offer of Judgment — Post-Trial: This offer is made after the trial has concluded but before the jury renders its verdict. It allows the parties to reconsider their positions based on the evidence and arguments presented during the trial and potentially reach an agreement. 3. Illinois Offer of Judgment — Statutory Maximum: Illinois law sets a maximum amount for offers of judgment. If a defendant rejects an offer of judgment that is equal to or less than this statutory maximum and the plaintiff receives a verdict at least 25% greater than the offer, the defendant may be subject to additional penalties. 4. Illinois Offer of Judgment — Limited Time Offer: This type of offer is made with a strict deadline attached. If the defendant fails to accept the offer within the specified time frame, it will be considered rejected, and the plaintiff can potentially benefit from the penalties associated with a rejected offer. In conclusion, the Illinois Offer of Judgment is an important tool in personal injury cases, providing parties an opportunity to settle disputes and avoid protracted litigation. Through different types of offers, it promotes resolution, fairness, and efficiency in seeking compensation for injuries and damages caused by negligence or intentional actions.