The time it takes for a personal injury lawsuit to resolve can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The complexity of your case
- The willingness of the defendant to settle
- The backlog of cases in the court system
In general, however, most personal injury lawsuits take between 12 and 18 months to resolve. Some cases may settle more quickly, while others may take several years to go to trial.
Here is a general overview of the steps involved in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Investigation: Your attorney will begin by investigating the accident to determine who was at fault and the extent of your injuries. This may involve gathering witness statements, police reports, medical records, and other evidence.
- Demand letter: Once your attorney has completed their investigation, they will send a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance company. This letter will outline your injuries and damages, and make a demand for a settlement.
- Settlement negotiations: If the defendant’s insurance company is willing to settle, your attorney will begin negotiating on your behalf. This process can be lengthy, as the insurance company will try to minimize the amount they pay you.
- Litigation: If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney will file a lawsuit with the court. This will begin the litigation process, which can take several years to complete.
- Trial: If the case is not settled before trial, your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then decide whether the defendant is liable for your injuries, and if so, how much compensation you should be awarded.
Factors that can affect the length of a personal injury lawsuit:
- The severity of your injuries: If you have suffered serious injuries, it will take longer for you to recover and for your medical bills to accumulate. This can delay the resolution of your case.
- The complexity of your case: If your case is complex, such as if there are multiple defendants or if there are difficult legal issues involved, it will take longer to resolve.
- The willingness of the defendant to settle: If the defendant is willing to settle quickly, your case can be resolved more quickly. However, if the defendant is unwilling to settle, your case may go to trial, which can take several years.
- The backlog of cases in the court system: The backlog of cases in the court system can also affect the length of your lawsuit. If there is a large backlog of cases, it may take longer for your case to be scheduled for trial.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can work to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.
