What’s the Usual Length to Resolve A Personal Injury Case?
Whether you were in a car crash or a slip-and-fall accident, you likely have thousands of questions running through your mind. If another person’s negligent actions caused your accident, one question you might have is: “How long do personal injury cases take to resolve?” Unfortunately, the length it takes to resolve a personal injury case varies for everyone.
One of the most significant factors in personal injury cases is the severity of your injuries and the treatment for the same. For more minor injuries, you might be able to resolve your case in a few months. Conversely, it could take years to settle your case for more severe injuries.
Contacting a Colorado personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure you settle your case as quickly and effectively as possible, and that your compensation is maximized. Injuries are not the only aspect impacting the timeline of your injury. At Kim Welch Law, we will work with you every step of a personal injury case and protect your best interests at all times.
Factors that May Affect the Length of a Personal Injury Case
You can settle a personal injury claim quickly, but that typically means taking less money. Insurance companies know that accident victims are vulnerable and will take advantage of that by offering low settlement offers. Conversely, they may be dragging out your claim because of factual problems, or they do not want to pay what your claim is worth. Let’s take a look at a few factors that might be making your case take longer.
Legal or Factual Problems
In some cases, there might be factual issues that extend the length of a personal injury claim. Your Colorado injury attorney might be able to resolve these issues by obtaining medical bills, treatment notes, traffic accident reports, witness statements, accident scene photographs, pictures of injuries, accident reconstruction reports, or employment and lost wage information. When your case lacks documentation, an insurance company will likely offer you a low settlement offer. Having an attorney gather this evidence is vital to obtaining proper financial compensation in a reasonable amount of time.
Medical Treatment
Ensure you receive all the treatment you need for your injuries. It is an essential factor that can influence the timeframe of a personal injury case. Once you recover, your doctor and attorney will likely have a better idea of how these injuries may affect your life moving forward and how they affected your life since the injury occurred. Do not settle until after you fully heal from your injuries. Your health may drastically change after an accident, and you may not receive proper compensation if you settle early. Additionally, always seek medical attention after suffering a personal injury. If you do not, an insurer may argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claim and deny or offer less for your claim.
“Big Money” is Involved
Another factor that may delay your claim is if the case involves significant damage. Insurers do not like to pay “big money” on a settlement until after they investigate every aspect of the case, including:
- If you have a good defense
- Your injuries and doctor’s reports
- Your credibility
Insurers may also take longer to deny your claim if large amounts are involved to see if you give up and accept less money. Some claimants cannot wait long for compensation, and insurers will try to wait them out. However, a Colorado injury attorney can negotiate with insurers to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
Filing a Lawsuit
Most personal injury cases settle outside of court, but if an insurance company is not settling or offering a fair amount, your attorney may suggest filing a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit and taking a case to trial takes time. Both sides will have to go through the discovery phase, which might take up to a year alone. Then, your attorney and the defendant’s attorney will have to present their cases before a judge or a jury. The trial may only take a a few days or weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Additionally, judges often reschedule personal injury trials due to scheduling conflicts. Remember, you only have two or three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the negligent party (and possibly less time), depending on the type of claim, so you should always consult with an attorney after an accident.
Contact an Experienced Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Unfortunately, there is no set time on how long it takes to resolve a personal injury case. It all depends on the circumstances surrounding the case, your medical treatment, how much money is involved, and whether you have to file a lawsuit. Having an attorney on your side is the best way to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
At Kim Welch Law, we pride ourselves on providing superb client service. We believe that communication is critical, so we will keep you updated on the status of your case the entire time. Attorney Kim Welch prides herself on being a fighter who will do whatever it takes to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. Call (888) 590-5510 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.