How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case?

If you have questions about a personal injury claim and you want to know more about a background that matters, please call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774, and we’ll evaluate your potential claim. When we take your case, you can be assured you have experienced personal injury lawyers on your side!

What Is the General Time Frame?

For cases filed in General District Court, which handles cases up to $25,000, it generally takes six months or less from the time the lawsuit is filed. Cases filed in Circuit Court, which covers cases larger than $25,000, take a bit longer.

When you file a lawsuit, the average is about 18 months. Our personal injury law firm aims to settle claims much faster than this, regardless of what court they might ultimately wind up in.

Why Would an Attorney Wait to File a Lawsuit?

In most cases, a personal injury attorney will wait to file the lawsuit to make sure the client has finished their medical treatments so the attorney can determine their injuries and medical bills. When they’ve reached that point of maximum medical improvement, their personal injury lawyer will do one of two things: either file a lawsuit or attempt to negotiate a settlement. It’s usually to the client’s benefit that our firm attempts to negotiate the claim.

Although each case is different, our personal injury law firm’s default policy is to wait until our clients have finished the medical treatment before beginning the negotiation process with the insurance company unless there are extenuating circumstances dictating otherwise.  Once the insurance company has received our demand package, it takes between two to four weeks for a review.

However, when negotiations fail, we have no hesitation about filing a lawsuit in either court to get our clients what they deserve.

How Will My Attorney Determine How Much of a Settlement I Should Get?

Determining the average settlement for a personal injury case can be challenging since the amount varies significantly based on numerous factors. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances and details play a large role in determining the settlement value. The following are some of the key factors that can influence the settlement amount in a personal injury case.

Severity of the Injury

The extent and severity of the injury are crucial factors in determining the settlement amount. Severe injuries that result in significant medical expenses, long-term disability, or permanent impairment generally lead to higher settlements.

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care, is essential in calculating the settlement value. The higher the medical expenses, the higher the potential settlement.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If the injury causes the victim to miss work, lose income, or face reduced earning capacity in the future, these financial losses are factored into the settlement. Lost wages and future earning potential are significant components in determining the settlement amount.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological impact, are considered when calculating the settlement. These damages are subjective and can vary greatly from case to case.

Liability and Negligence

Establishing the liability and proving that the defendant was negligent or at fault for the injury is critical. The strength of the evidence supporting the claim and the clarity of fault can impact the settlement amount.

Insurance Coverage

The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party or parties involved can also influence the settlement amount. If the available insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate for the damages, it can limit the potential settlement.

Attorney Skill and Experience

The expertise and negotiation skills of the personal injury attorney representing the injured party can significantly impact the settlement amount. A skilled attorney can advocate for the victim’s rights and maximize the potential settlement.

It is important to note that no specific “average” settlement can be universally applied to all personal injury cases. Each case is unique, and settlement amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on the abovementioned factors.

To determine the potential settlement value for a specific case, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury cases. They can evaluate the details of the case, consider the relevant factors, and provide a more accurate estimate of the potential settlement range.

Can Your Firm Take My Case?

Selecting the right personal injury lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our motto is “All we do is injury law.” We only represent accident victims, never the at-fault party. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients, as evidenced by the more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts we have obtained.

Call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.