The question, “How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?” is an important one for injured victims. After all, you want to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. However, settling your case too quickly may lead to you missing out on some important financial benefits.
At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, we understand that this is a difficult time for our clients and their families. This is why we are dedicated to helping you achieve a fair and reasonable settlement for your claim.
How long your personal injury case takes depends on the severity of your injuries, how much you’re requesting for compensation and other factors. It also varies by state, because each jurisdiction has its own court procedures and rules. For example, New York’s litigation process can take longer than most states.
The first step in the personal injury litigation process is filing a lawsuit. Then, the discovery phase begins. This can take anywhere from six months to a year, and it’s where each party investigates the other’s claims and defenses by asking questions and making requests for documents.
Once the discovery period is complete, your attorney can start negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company. These negotiations can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the case and how aggressive you and your attorney are. Your attorney will consider many factors when negotiating your claim, such as current and future medical expenses, loss of income, long-term impacts on your life and the value of any property that was lost or damaged in the accident.
If the insurance company and you can’t come to a mutually agreeable settlement, your case will go to trial. At the trial, a judge or jury will examine the evidence and determine whether the defendant is responsible for the accident and should pay the plaintiff damages. Typically, cases that go to trial are more complex and longer than those that settle.
During the trial, you’ll likely have to attend numerous hearings and depositions. These can be stressful, especially if you have a fear of public speaking. However, your lawyer will prepare you for these events and help ease your fears.
After your trial, it will take some time for the defendant’s insurance company to review and approve your final settlement amount. This is because they have to process the paperwork and review all the details of your claim. Normally, this process only takes a few weeks but can take longer for large settlement amounts.
