If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence and are considering bringing a lawsuit, you’re probably wondering how long your case will last.
It is important to stress that every case is different.
However, there are several elements that can influence the length of your case. Many simple cases may be resolved in as little as six months, but difficult cases might take two or more years to resolve. At Harsh Law, we seldom accept the first or even second settlement offer an insurance company makes. This puts you in a better position to present evidence and documented claims to fully cover the damages you sustained.
Early offers from insurance companies are usually calculated amounts which are inadequate compensation, but enough to provide a small amount of relief. This allows them to avoid paying appropriate amounts in many situations. At Harsh Law, we are prepared to negotiate a fair settlement or try the case before a jury.
The Following Are Some of the Most Important Factors to Determine How Long Your Case May Take To Settle:
Factor 1: The Nature of the Injury
The nature of your injury is one of the most important factors in determining how long your case will take to settle or win. Injuries that are more severe and complex will usually take longer to resolve than those that are less serious. Likewise, if there is significant disagreement between the parties as to the cause of the injury or the extent of damages.
Based on the nature and extent of your injury, an experienced attorney may advise you to wait before filing your lawsuit. This delay, while inconvenient and time-consuming, may be beneficial in achieving the maximum compensation for your injuries. Filing a lawsuit or settling a case prematurely might cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Factor 2: The Opposition’s Level of Cooperation
During the several stages of a lawsuit, your lawyer will be in contact with an insurance company on a regular basis, either directly or via opposing counsel. If the insurance firm responds to your attorney in a timely manner, the procedure of your case will proceed more swiftly. Insurance companies, on the other hand, can be less than helpful at times. They might take weeks, if not months, to react to your lawyer’s request. Your lawsuit will be delayed as a result. A qualified personal injury lawyer will ensure that your case continues through the legal system as swiftly as possible while keeping you informed of key developments.
Factor 3: Settlement or Trial
The vast majority of personal injury claims are resolved without going to court. If your case goes to trial, it may take months to schedule a hearing date in court. Trials generally last two days to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Factor 4: Case Complexity
Simple, straightforward claims are typically settled in six months or less. A car accident scenario is one example in which one party accepts responsibility, and the insurance company readily compensates the injured person but can’t agree on the amount of compensation. The negotiation over the compensation amount may require medical visits to determine the factor of temporary versus permanent damage. It is not uncommon for complex cases to take two or more years to resolve. An example of this is a multi-car collision involving many injured parties, disputes over who was at fault, complicated insurance issues, and lengthy court battles. Medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip-and-fall (unsafe property), and defective products are all complex matters that can take a long time to resolve.
Solve It All With One Call to Harsh Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident within the State of California, the attorneys at Harsh Law can work to get the settlement you deserve. For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact Harsh Law online or at 909-793-6261.