Wondering “how long do personal injury cases take?”
How long does a personal injury lawsuit take? If you are a victim of a personal injury accident, this question is likely on your mind. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward, as there are many factors that can affect the duration of a personal injury lawsuit. However, in this blog post, we will do our best to provide you with an overview of what you can expect.
What is a personal injury lawsuit?
Personal injury lawsuits are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else is legally responsible for that harm. Personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to have a realistic understanding of the process to manage your expectations.
Factors that Affect the Duration of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The duration of a personal injury lawsuit can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, availability of evidence, number of parties involved, court backlog, and settlement negotiations.
For example, if the injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, it may take longer to collect medical records and bills. Additionally, if the evidence is difficult to obtain, such as in a hit-and-run accident, it may take longer to build a case. Finally, if there are multiple parties involved, such as in a product liability case, it may take longer to coordinate all parties and their attorneys.
Stages of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Personal injury lawsuits go through several stages, including the pre-litigation stage, filing the lawsuit, discovery, pre-trial motions, trial, and appeals. Each stage has its own timeline and can add to the overall length of the lawsuit.
The pre-litigation stage is the period of time before a lawsuit is filed. During this stage, the injured party works with an attorney to investigate the accident and determine if there is a case. Once a lawsuit is filed, the discovery stage begins, where both parties exchange information and evidence. The pre-trial motions stage follows, where each party can file motions to exclude evidence or dismiss the case. If the case proceeds to trial, it can take several months to a few years before the case is resolved. If the case is appealed, it can take even longer.
Average Duration of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
According to data from the National Center for State Courts, the average length of a personal injury lawsuit is around 15 months. However, the length of time can vary widely depending on the type of case and other factors.
Ways to Speed Up a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Although there is no guaranteed way to speed up a personal injury lawsuit, there are some steps you can take to help move the process along. Choosing the right attorney is critical, as they can help you navigate the process and avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, being organized and responsive can help keep the case moving forward, and pursuing settlement negotiations can help avoid a lengthy trial.
Curan & Ahlers: Westchester County Personal Injury Attorneys
In conclusion, if you are wondering "how long does a personal injury lawsuit take," a personal injury lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve. It is important to have realistic expectations and to work with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process. Understanding the process will hopefully help you to avoid the frustration of wondering “why is my case taking so long?”
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, please contact Curan & Ahlers to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We can help you understand your rights and options and work to get you the compensation you deserve.