Did you know that there are over 24 million unintentional injuries each year? Many of these are the result of someone else’s negligence, which means that there are millions of personal injury lawsuits that accompany them. Before you file a personal injury lawsuit, though, you’ll need to understand the personal injury case timeline.
This will help ensure that you know what to expect while waiting for your personal injury settlement. Let’s explore the key factors that impact how long you will have to wait for your personal injury case payout.
Finding the Right Attorney
The first (and arguably most important) step in the personal injury case timeline is finding the right personal injury attorney.
Not all attorneys are created equal, and you’ll want to make sure that you find an attorney who has experience with cases similar to yours. Furthermore, you’ll want to find an attorney who you feel comfortable working with and who seems like they will have your best interests at heart.
Once you’ve found the right attorney, they will need to begin investigating your case. You can view this page to learn more about what to look for in a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles.
Investigating Your Case
Your attorney will need to investigate your case in order to determine whether or not you have a strong case. This investigation will involve collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and perhaps even conducting a deposition.
Once your attorney has a good understanding of your case, they will be able to give you a better idea of how long it will take to receive a settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit
If your attorney believes that you have a strong case, they will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Once the lawsuit is filed, the opposing parties will have a chance to respond. This process can take months, or even years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Settlement Negotiations
After your attorney has filed a lawsuit, they will begin settlement negotiations with the other party’s insurance company. These negotiations can take some time, as both sides will likely want to get the best possible deal. However, if both sides are reasonable, it is possible to reach a settlement relatively quickly.
Trial
If settlement negotiations fail, your case will go to trial. This is usually a lengthy process, as trials can take months or even years to complete. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that you will win your case, so you may not receive a settlement even if your case does go to trial.
So, How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Settlement Take?
As you can see, the personal injury case timeline can vary quite a bit depending on the individual circumstances of your case. However, it often ranges somewhere between 9 months and 18 months. Be sure that you keep this information in mind when moving forward so that you don’t run into any surprises.
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