Weighing the Scales: What Proof Do You Need to Win?

Many people have heard the phrase “beyond a reasonable doubt” from TV shows or movies; however, that doesn’t apply to all types of cases. While this standard is used in criminal cases, civil cases use a different burden of proof called “preponderance of the evidence.”

So, what’s the difference?

The criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” is a difficult burden of proof to meet; it requires near certainty. On the other hand, civil cases, like personal injury, medical malpractice, slip and fall and motor vehicle cases, have a burden of proof standard that is much easier to meet. Imagine a set of scales — if your evidence tips the scale even slightly in your favor (over 50%), you meet the burden of proof. Another way to think of this is “more likely than not.”

This difference works in your favor, as it gives you a solid chance at receiving the compensation that you deserve. You only need to prove that it is more likely than not that the other party was at fault.

Regina P. Etherton & Associates, LLC., is here to serve injured victims! Please call us if you are injured through someone else’s fault.