Post-Trial
- Hafiz from the Alpha Content Team
- Aug 12
- 6 min read
Post-Trial
When your serious injury case goes to trial, it’s easy to think everything ends the second the judge or jury gives their decision. But really, that’s only the end of one stage. What happens afterward — called the post-trial phase — can still be a long and important process.
If you’ve been through months (or years) of legal battles, you might be tired, frustrated, or even relieved just to hear a verdict. Still, there’s more to do. Post-trial steps can decide whether you actually see your award, whether an appeal changes your result, and how you’ll move forward.
The Verdict Is In — What Now?
Right after the trial, the judge or jury will announce their decision. For a serious injury case, there are three main outcomes:
You win and get a money award (damages).
You lose, and the other side owes you nothing.
You partly win, but the amount is smaller than you wanted.
Sometimes, a verdict can even surprise both sides. You might expect a certain number but get a much higher or lower one. Your lawyer will break it down for you so you know exactly what it means.
Understanding the Judgment
The judgment is the official court order. It’s the paperwork that says how much money is owed, who owes it, and how it must be paid. In Michigan, the judgment is key because it gives you the legal right to collect your award.
Without it, the verdict is just words. The judgment turns those words into something you can
enforce.
Collecting Your Award After a Win
Winning doesn’t mean you’ll have a check in your hand right away. It might take weeks or months. If the other side has insurance, the process is usually faster. But if payment has to come directly from the defendant, there could be delays.
Your lawyer might need to:
Send a written demand for payment.
Negotiate a lump sum or payment plan.
Use legal tools like wage garnishment or liens.
Example: Imagine you win $500,000. If the other side’s insurance policy only covers $300,000, your lawyer may have to find other ways to collect the rest.
If You Lose — Your Next Moves
A loss can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t always mean you’re out of options. Your lawyer will review the trial for errors. If they find serious mistakes, you might have grounds for an appeal.
An appeal isn’t a new trial. It’s asking a higher court to check whether the trial court applied the law correctly. If they agree there was an error, your case could be retried or changed in your favor.
Post-Trial Motions — Fixing Problems Quickly
Right after trial, either side can file post-trial motions. These need to be done quickly, often within days or weeks. Common motions include:
New trial — asking for a do-over if something major went wrong.
Amend judgment — adjusting the amount or terms.
JNOV — asking the judge to overturn the jury’s decision if it doesn’t match the law.
Your lawyer will know which motion, if any, is worth filing.
The Appeals Process in Michigan
Appeals can be slow and technical. Here’s what usually happens:
Notice of appeal is filed.
Written arguments (briefs) are submitted.
The other side files their own brief.
Sometimes, oral arguments happen in front of appellate judges.
Judges make their decision — which can take months.
During this time, the original judgment might be on hold. That’s called a “stay of judgment.”
Interest on Awards — Why Waiting Isn’t Always Bad
In Michigan, if you win money, the court usually adds interest from the day you filed the case until the day you get paid. This means that even if the other side delays payment, the total can grow.
For example, a $200,000 award could end up being $220,000 or more if payment is delayed for a couple of years.
Enforcement of Judgment — Making Sure You Get Paid
If the other side refuses to pay, your lawyer can take enforcement actions. These include:
Wage garnishment — taking part of their paycheck.
Bank account levy — taking money directly from accounts.
Property liens — claiming rights over homes or land until payment is made.
Sometimes just starting the enforcement process is enough to make the other side pay.
When Both Sides Settle After Trial
Even after a trial, it’s possible to settle. Maybe the other side doesn’t want to deal with an appeal. Maybe you want your money faster. Settlements at this stage might include confidentiality clauses, meaning you can’t talk about the details.
Paying Your Lawyer and Costs
If your lawyer works on contingency, they’ll take their percentage from the award once it’s collected. They’ll also deduct any case costs they paid upfront, like court fees or expert witnesses.
Your lawyer should give you a full accounting so you see exactly where every dollar went.
Medical Liens — Paying Back Medical Bills
If insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid covered your treatment, they might expect repayment from your award. These are called medical liens. Your lawyer can often negotiate these down
so you keep more of your money.
Emotional Aftermath — The Part No One Warns You About
Winning or losing, the end of a trial can leave you feeling drained. You’ve been in fight mode for so long that it can be strange when it’s over. Some people feel relieved, others feel let down, even after a win.
It’s okay to take time to process everything. Some people talk with a counselor to help move forward.
Public Records and Privacy Concerns
Court trials are public. That means anyone can see your verdict and judgment unless the record is sealed (which is rare). If privacy matters, your lawyer might try to settle before judgment is officially entered.
Special Considerations for Civil Rights Injury Cases
In cases involving civil rights violations, post-trial steps can also include court-ordered changes to policies or training. In some cases, the court may order the losing side to pay your legal fees — on top of any damages.
Protecting Your Award
Once you get your money, it’s smart to protect it. That might mean:
Paying off debt.
Saving for future medical costs.
Talking to a financial advisor.
Large awards can disappear quickly if you’re not careful.
Tax Rules for Your Award
Most physical injury settlements aren’t taxed, but some parts — like interest or punitive damages — can be. Your lawyer or tax professional can help you plan for this so you’re not caught off guard.
Staying in Touch with Your Lawyer
Even after your case is over, questions can pop up. Your lawyer can help with enforcing the judgment, handling appeals, or dealing with related legal issues.
Moving On and Rebuilding
Post-trial is about more than money. It’s about closing a chapter and starting a new one. Whether you won big, lost, or landed in the middle, you stood up for yourself. That matters.
Many people use this time to focus on healing, making changes, and moving forward with their lives.
Lessons for the Future
Your case — win or lose — can teach you:
What legal strategies worked.
How the court views evidence.
How to prepare better if you ever face legal action again.
This knowledge can help you or even others you know in the future.
Example Timeline of Post-Trial
Here’s a rough idea of how post-trial might look:
Day 0 — Verdict announced.
Week 1-2 — Judgment entered.
Month 1-3 — Payment demands, post-trial motions.
Month 3-12 — Appeals or enforcement steps.
Year 1+ — Final payment collected.
Some cases finish fast, others drag on for years. Patience is key.
Why Post-Trial Still Needs a Lawyer
The post-trial stage has its own rules, deadlines, and strategies. Missing one deadline can erase months of hard work. Having your lawyer stay involved until the very last step is the best way to protect your award.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The post-trial process isn’t just an afterthought. It’s where verdicts become real results, and where you either collect your award or keep fighting for it.
It can involve appeals, enforcement, negotiations, and even unexpected settlements. By staying informed, working closely with your lawyer, and knowing the possible roadblocks, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
The trial may have been the spotlight moment, but post-trial is where you make sure all that effort pays off — literally.
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