How Long Is the Average Personal Injury Case?

The length of time your personal injury case takes depends on many factors, including the type of accident, severity of injuries, the parties involved, monetary damages sought, and whether the case goes to trial. It is impossible to predict how long your particular case may take. That said, most accident and injury cases are settled within a few months up to one or two years.

Following is a look at how long each stage of the process may take:

Engage an Attorney for Your Personal Injury Case 

When: Right Away

If you are out of work for more than a couple of days, break a bone, or if your medical bills total more than a thousand dollars, you may want to consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney.

Starting The Personal Injury Case 

When: Right Away – 6 Months

Your attorney will start by filing the initial paperwork and letting the other party know you intend to file a claim. The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a claim, so it’s essential to act quickly.

Discovery Process 

When: 6 Months – 1 Year

Your attorney may use this time to, gather and produce evidence (police reports, medical records, etc.). They may investigate any disputes about the event, consult with medical professionals, or conduct other necessary research. They will then attempt to come to a settlement. Most cases (95%) are settled before trial. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit is usually filed. Depending on where your case stands in the statute of limitations, a lawsuit may be filed sooner. 

Trial

When: 2+ Years

The jury will examine the case and determine if the defendant is liable and the total amount of damages. Settlement might also still occur during this stage.

Verdict

When: 2+ Years

The defense may appeal and request that the case be reviewed by a higher court, forcing settlement for a lower dollar amount or starting a new trial in a higher appeals court.

The timing of your particular case may be quite different from these estimates and will depend on your specific situation and the courts involved. It’s best to consult with your attorney to understand the options in your particular case.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury in an accident, we can help. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free case review. You may be entitled to a settlement for your injuries, but you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal action.