This book investigates the procedural and social dynamics that drive the out-of-court settlement of personal injury claims within the legal system. Hazel G. Genn, a prominent scholar in socio-legal studies, utilizes extensive empirical data collected from interviews with practicing lawyers and legal officials to analyze how cases are resolved before reaching a trial. The work provides a critical examination of the bargaining processes, the influence of legal professionals, and the systemic pressures that shape the outcomes of personal injury litigation.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the realities of civil litigation beyond the courtroom. Experts highlight the book's rigorous empirical approach as essential for anyone studying the intersection of legal theory and practical settlement behavior.