If you’ve recently been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering, How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim with an attorney? While every case is different, there are typical timelines and stages that most claims follow. Understanding these stages can help you set expectations and make informed decisions as your case progresses.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim can vary widely based on several key factors:
- Severity of Injuries: Claims involving serious or long-term injuries typically take longer because your attorney will wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before valuing the case. This ensures all medical costs and future treatment needs are accounted for.
- Liability Issues: If it’s clear who was at fault, the case may resolve quickly. However, if liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved, expect delays as investigations and expert reviews unfold.
- Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies often delay or deny claims to minimize payouts. A skilled personal injury attorney can cut through these tactics, but negotiations still take time, especially if the insurer is uncooperative.
- Case Complexity: Some cases, like those involving commercial vehicles, medical malpractice, or product defects, involve complex evidence and expert testimony, which can extend the timeline significantly.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case may go to trial. Lawsuits take longer — sometimes several years — depending on the court’s schedule and the intricacies of the case.
General Timeline Overview
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation (1–2 weeks): You’ll meet with your attorney, who will review your case and begin gathering evidence.
- Medical Treatment and Documentation (1–12 months or more): You receive treatment while your attorney collects medical records, bills, and statements.
- Demand Letter and Negotiation (2–4 months): Once your treatment is complete, your attorney sends a demand letter to the insurance company. Negotiations can take weeks or even months.
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary) (6 months–2+ years): If settlement negotiations fail, the attorney will file a lawsuit, starting a formal litigation process that can involve discovery, motions, mediation, and trial.
Why Having an Attorney Matters
An experienced personal injury attorney doesn’t just speed up the process—they make sure your claim is properly valued and you aren’t pressured into accepting a low offer. Your attorney handles paperwork, negotiates with insurance companies, and ensures your legal rights are protected every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim with an attorney? It could be a matter of months, or it could take over a year, depending on the complexity of your case. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, working with a seasoned attorney is your best bet for a fair and timely resolution.
Injured and unsure about your next steps? Contact Pipas Law Group PA today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—on your timeline.
This post was written by a professional at Pipas Law Group. Pipas Law Group is a personal injury attorney Sarasota fl and Civil Litigation Law Firm in Downtown St. Petersburg and Downtown Tampa. Our Personal Injury attorneys specialize in car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, and more. At Pipas Law Group, you will always speak with and work with the attorney on your case, not a case manager or paralegal. We take the very best care of our clients as possible, because that is what we would want for our families.