If you’ve been injured in an accident, you will need to be patient when dealing with the personal injury claim. Usually, lawyers can reach a settlement without going to trial, but even settling outside of court takes quite a bit of time. It’s important to understand that when injury lawyers push too hard to wrap the case up quickly, the injured party may not end up getting all the money they deserve for their injuries.
The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim can vary widely and depends on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the legal processes in the jurisdiction where the claim is filed.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Claim?
On average, it often takes one to two years to settle a personal injury case because of the work involved and the need to understand all required medical treatment before settling. In more serious cases with significant injuries or when a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the process might take two to three years.
Here are some factors that can affect how long it take to settle your injury claim:
- Medical treatment. The extent of your injuries and the duration of your medical treatment can significantly impact the time it takes to settle a claim. It’s often advisable to wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before finalizing a settlement to ensure that all medical costs are accounted for.
- Insurance company cooperation. The responsiveness and cooperation of the insurance company representing the defendant plays a crucial role in how quickly a claim is settled. If the insurance company is prompt and willing to negotiate, the process may move more quickly.
- Liability issues. If there are disputes over who is at fault, the resolution of liability issues can prolong the settlement process. More extensive investigations, evidence gathering, and negotiations may be necessary to establish fault in tricky cases.
- Legal processes. Legal processes, including filing the lawsuit, discovery, and court schedules, can add time to the overall process. Some cases may go to trial, which can significantly extend the time it takes to reach a resolution. Ultimately, the time it takes to handle legal processes is worth it because it is often the only way for the injured party to recover a fair settlement.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions. The willingness of both parties to negotiate and reach a fair settlement is crucial. If there are multiple rounds of negotiation or if the parties are unable to agree on a settlement amount, the process may take longer.
- Court backlog. In some jurisdictions, the court system may be congested, leading to delays in scheduling hearings or trials.
It’s important to note that there is no fixed time frame for settling a personal injury claim, and each case is unique. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks or months through negotiations, while others may take years, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who can provide guidance based on the specific details of your case and the state laws that affect your claim. They can help you navigate the legal process and work toward a fair and timely resolution.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
