Your side of the case will be presented first because you were the person who initially filed the complaint. The defendant will then have an opportunity to present his or her view of the case. At the close of all the evidence from both parties, each party's attorney makes a closing statement summing up the evidence and pointing out any failures of the opposing side to prove certain contentions. The judge will then instruct the jury on the burden of proof and how it should be applied to your case. The jury will deliberate, weighing all the evidence and facts of your case to reach a verdict.
Jury deliberations can take anywhere from several hours to several days.
Once the verdict is reached, the jury members return to the courtroom to announce their decision. Work with an experienced lawyer in your state. In 1992, the courts dismissed 10 percent of all personal injury cases.