Why Trial Experience Matters When Choosing a Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer
Many Louisiana personal injury cases are settled out of court, but the strength of those settlements often depends on one thing — whether your attorney is truly ready to go to trial. Baton Rouge personal injury attorney Chris Shows, founding partner at Pierce & Shows, explains why trial experience remains one of the most valuable assets a lawyer can bring to the table.
The Role of Trial Experience in Personal Injury Cases
Most people know that the majority of injury claims settle before trial. But what actually drives those settlements is the potential outcome if the case did go to court. Insurance companies and opposing counsel weigh their risk based on the strength of the evidence and the lawyer’s ability to prove it before a jury.
Chris Shows shared that when he first meets a client or visits an accident scene, he’s already thinking about proof. “What are the issues? What evidence do we have — and what do we still need to find and present?” That mindset comes from years of trying cases, knowing how small details—like skid marks on a road or wear marks on a failed part—can make or break a claim.
How Trial Experience Shapes Case Preparation
Experienced trial attorneys think several steps ahead from the moment they take on a case. For Shows, it’s not just about gathering facts but about preparing them for how they’ll hold up in court.
He emphasizes that litigation is a detailed process. Lawyers who have tried cases understand exactly what juries look for and what evidence carries weight. They know how to build a case that tells a clear, credible story from the start.
Why Insurance Companies Take Trial Lawyers Seriously
Insurance companies know which attorneys regularly go to trial—and which don’t. Having started his career in insurance defense, Shows says it’s no secret among defense lawyers who’s willing to take a case to verdict.
“When we knew a plaintiff’s lawyer would actually try a case and do it well, we paid full value,” he said. “If they weren’t going to take it to trial, we didn’t have to.”
That inside knowledge means clients benefit when their attorney has a reputation for being ready to fight in court. Even if a case never reaches trial, the possibility alone often leads to stronger settlement offers.
The Impact of Trial Skills on Settlement Negotiations
During mediation or settlement discussions, trial experience becomes a powerful negotiation tool. Shows explained that mediation often reaches a standstill when one side doubts the other’s ability to prove their claim. That’s when an experienced trial lawyer can shift momentum.
He shared, “If I can explain exactly how I’ll get evidence admitted, cite the Louisiana Code of Evidence, and show them I’ve done it before, they move. They know I’m prepared, and that changes the tone of negotiations.”
This level of confidence—backed by years in court—helps clients secure fairer, faster settlements.
Courtroom Skills That Only Come from Experience
According to Shows, the most critical skill trial lawyers develop is the ability to think on their feet. No matter how thorough the pretrial discovery process is, unexpected situations arise in the courtroom. From surprise testimony to sudden changes in scheduling, trial attorneys must adapt quickly without losing focus.
He recalled a Baton Rouge jury trial that was interrupted when a nearby library was feared to be collapsing. “We lost a full day of trial,” he said. “You never know what’s coming. You have to stay sharp, calm, and ready to pivot.”
When Trial Experience Directly Impacts a Client’s Case
Shows described a case that reached the Louisiana Supreme Court involving a premises liability injury. Brought in late after another lawyer struggled to resolve it, his team pushed the case through multiple appeals.
During oral arguments, the defense misinterpreted a key precedent—something Shows immediately recognized from experience. His quick response corrected the record and ultimately secured a favorable ruling for the plaintiff.
Moments like that, he explained, are where courtroom experience directly changes a client’s outcome.
The Risks of Hiring a Lawyer Without Trial Experience
Not all personal injury lawyers are prepared—or willing—to take a case to trial. Shows warns that this can stall settlements from the start. Insurance companies often recognize when an attorney lacks the evidence or confidence to litigate, leading to weaker offers or no offers at all.
Clients may find themselves stuck with an unresolved claim or forced to switch attorneys when litigation becomes necessary. “You want a lawyer who won’t back down when it’s time to file suit,” Shows said. “That willingness alone can move your case forward.”
How to Find Out if a Lawyer Has Real Trial Experience
For clients searching for a Louisiana personal injury lawyer, verifying trial experience takes a bit of digging. Within the legal community, it’s often common knowledge who tries cases regularly.
Shows suggests looking up reported cases, talking to other attorneys, or checking court records online. “If they’re trying regular cases, you’ll see evidence of it,” he said. “And if they never go to trial, that’s clear too.”
Final Thoughts
Trial experience doesn’t just matter in the courtroom—it shapes every step of a personal injury case, from investigation to negotiation to final settlement. As Chris Shows explains, even if your case never reaches trial, you want a lawyer who’s fully prepared to go the distance.
If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Louisiana, visit PierceandShows.com to learn more about how trial-tested attorneys like Chris Shows can help you rebuild your life with clarity and confidence.