An injury lawsuit settlement is an amount of money which is offered to and accepted by a victim who has sustained injuries in an accident which was not their fault. A settlement is usually offered where the third-party responsible for the accident acknowledges that a court may find them liable for the injuries. A settlement is then offered to prevent the victim from pursuing the lawsuit in court where damages awarded may be high, substantial legal costs may be accumulated and reputation may be damaged. Injury lawsuit settlements are usually less than may be won if a personal injury lawsuit were to go to court, but usually comprise an amount which both parties agree to be fair compensation for the injuries sustained.