What is a verdict?
A verdict is the decision a jury, or a judge without a jury, reaches at the end of a trial. In a civil case, it determines the final outcome; in a criminal case, it decides guilt or innocence. In an injury trial, the verdict says whether the defendant is responsible and how much money is owed.
Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (5)
What does a verdict look like in an injury trial? An example
EXAMPLE ONLY. After a three-day trial over a parking lot crash in Fort Worth, a Texas jury of twelve answers questions on a verdict form. Ten jurors agree on every answer, which is enough in Texas.
| Question on the form | Jury's answer |
|---|---|
| Was the other driver negligent? | Yes |
| Was the plaintiff negligent? | Yes |
| Percentage of responsibility | Other driver 80%, plaintiff 20% |
| Medical expenses | $30,000 |
| Physical pain and mental anguish | $20,000 |
The jury found $50,000 in damages. Because the plaintiff was 20% responsible, the judge's final judgment will be reduced, to about $40,000 before costs and interest.
Why does a verdict matter if you were hurt?
Only a small share of injury claims reach a verdict, but the possibility of one drives every settlement. Adjusters and lawyers estimate what a jury in your county might award, then discount it for the risk and delay of trial.
Verdicts also cut both ways. A jury can award more than the last offer, less, or nothing. That uncertainty is why so many cases settle the week before trial.
Before trial, both sides may look at past verdicts for similar injuries in the same county. Those numbers are only a rough guide. Every jury and every injury is different, and the verdicts that make the news tend to be the unusual ones.
How many jurors must agree on a civil verdict?
| Court | Agreement needed |
|---|---|
| Arizona (courts of record) | Eight jurors; all but two must agree |
| Texas | Ten of twelve, or five of six |
| California | Three-fourths of the jury |
| Federal court | Unanimous, unless the parties agree otherwise |
A split verdict is still a full verdict. It counts the same as a unanimous one once enough jurors agree.
Verdict vs. judgment
The verdict is what the jury decides. The judgment is the court's official final order, entered after the verdict and any changes the judge makes, such as reductions for your share of fault. You collect on a judgment, not on a verdict, and an appeal is taken from the judgment too.
Questions
Does the verdict have to be unanimous in a civil case?
Not in every court. Federal civil verdicts must be unanimous unless the parties agree otherwise, while California needs three-fourths of the jury.
Can a judge change a jury's verdict?
In limited situations, yes, for example by reducing an award a law caps or one the evidence does not support. Either side can also appeal the judgment.
When do I get paid after a verdict?
Not right away. There can be motions and appeals, and payment usually comes from the defendant's insurer after the judgment is final.
Find out if you are owed money.
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See if I’m owed moneySources (5)
- U.S. Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms, checked 2026-11-09. “The decision of a trial jury or a judge that determines the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant, or that determines the final outcome of a civil case.”
- A.R.S. § 21-102(C), checked 2026-11-09. “a jury for trial in any court of record of a civil case shall consist of eight persons, and the concurrence of all but two shall be necessary to render a verdict.”
- Tex. R. Civ. P. 292(a), checked 2026-11-09. “a verdict may be rendered in any cause by the concurrence, as to each and all answers made, of the same ten or more members of an original jury of twelve or of the same five or more members of an original jury of six.”
- Cal. Const. art. I, § 16, checked 2026-11-09. “Trial by jury is an inviolate right and shall be secured to all, but in a civil cause three-fourths of the jury may render a verdict.”
- Fed. R. Civ. P. 48(b), checked 2026-11-09. “Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, the verdict must be unanimous and must be returned by a jury of at least 6 members.”