Generally speaking, it will take 1½ – 2 years for your case to come to trial, measured from the date that the complaint (the actual paper filed with the court to start the case) is filed with the court. During that time period, the lawyers representing the plaintiff (the injured party) and the defendant(s) (the doctors/hospitals/or other healthcare providers) do discovery and prepare the case for trial. The possibility during that time period always exists that the parties will agree to settle the matter, therefore, eliminating the need to proceed to trial.