How Long Does It Take a Lawsuit to Settle?

Pursuing a lawsuit can be stressful, especially when time is running short. Understanding the timeline and how long a lawsuit might take can help you be ready for each stage.

When it comes to a personal injury lawsuit, following proper procedures and meeting deadlines is critical. A personal injury attorney from The Barnes Firm is here to help you resolve your case as soon as possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

When is a Lawsuit Necessary after an Injury?

After an accident, insurance companies will often refuse to make a fair settlement offer and lowball an accident victim in order to close out the case quickly. When insurance fails to provide a victim with a fair settlement offer, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help an accident victim get the compensation they deserve.

Several situations can lead to a lawsuit:

• If the party at fault denies liability or refuses to accept responsibility for the injury, a lawsuit may be the only way to pursue compensation.
• If the responsible party’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover the full extent of damages, a lawsuit may be necessary to seek additional compensation.
• Serious injuries often lead to significant medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, and possible loss of income. A lawsuit may be necessary to secure adequate compensation for these substantial damages.
• Injuries that cause permanent disability or long-term impairment may need ongoing care and adjustments to daily life. A lawsuit can help ensure you receive the necessary financial support.
• If an insurance company acts in bad faith, refuses to negotiate, or wrongfully denies a valid claim, pursuing a lawsuit may be the only option.
• In cases involving complex legal issues, such as product liability or medical malpractice, a lawsuit may be necessary to establish liability.

Waiting too long to pursue a claim can result in the statute of limitations expiring, barring any legal action. In such cases, filing a lawsuit becomes a time-sensitive necessity. Consulting with our injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm will make sure you can take legal action when needed. We can assess the case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, file a lawsuit.

Settlement Timelines for Injury Lawsuits

Many personal injury claims are settled within two years. However, it can take longer when a settlement is not reached during the claims process and your lawyer files a lawsuit. Here are possible timelines for different types of injury lawsuits:

• Auto Accidents with Clear Fault: Auto accident cases are typically among the fastest to settle. This is because liability is often self-evident, such as in rear-end collisions or cases where traffic laws were violated. These cases can usually be resolved in months, especially if the insurance companies involved are cooperative.
• Premises Liability: Premises liability cases involve injuries on another person’s property due to negligence, such as slip-and-fall accidents or dog bites. These cases can take varying amounts of time, ranging from a few months to over one year. The complexity lies in establishing negligence and liability.
• Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice cases typically have longer timelines due to the need for comprehensive expert reviews, medical records analysis, and complex legal procedures. These cases frequently span several years before a resolution is reached. However, you usually have to provide notice of possible legal action soon after the injury is discovered, so act fast in calling our firm.
• Catastrophic Injury Cases: These cases involve severe and life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain or spinal cord damage. Due to the complexity and long-term implications, catastrophic injury claims can take several years to reach a settlement or proceed to trial.
• Workers’ Compensation Claims: Workers’ compensation claims involve injuries or illnesses in the workplace. Simple cases may be resolved in a few months, while complex cases with ongoing medical treatment can take a year or more.
• Product Liability: Product liability claims arise from injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. When liability is clear-cut, such as in cases with extensive recalls, settlements may be reached within one year. When there is difficulty in establishing liability, cases may take a few years to resolve.

These are only general examples of which types of cases might settle faster than others. A seemingly simple case might have complications that extend the settlement process, while cases involving complex legal issues might settle much faster than anticipated. Our lawyers at The Barnes Firm can assess your case and advise on what you might expect.

Factors Influencing Timelines

On average, insurance claims tend to be shorter than lawsuits as they involve less formal procedures and may be resolved outside the courtroom. Lawsuits follow a more structured legal process and typically take longer to finish. However, timelines for both still vary widely depending on the unique circumstances of each case.

The length of a claim or lawsuit depends on many factors, which can significantly influence the pace at which a case progresses toward a settlement.

• Complexity of the Case: Cases involving complicated legal issues, multiple parties, or extensive evidence often take longer.
• Jurisdiction: Where a lawsuit is filed can affect the pace of the case due to different court schedules, caseloads, rules, and procedures.
• Settlement Negotiations: The willingness of parties to negotiate and find common ground can either speed up or slow down the process.
• Severity of Injuries: Cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which can lengthen the lawsuit process.

A California Injury Lawyer from The Barnes Firm is Here to Help

Do you need help from a personal injury attorney after a serious injury in California? Connect with The Barnes Firm, an experienced legal team dedicated to your success. Our skilled attorneys are standing by to schedule your free consultation – contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes