How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
How long does a personal injury lawsuit take? Understand each stage, expedite your case, and consult our experts to learn more today!
The United States Courts reports that personal injury and product liability case filings increased by 78% during the year ending March 31, 2024. This sharp rise shows that more people are turning to the courts after being injured.
If you’re considering a claim, you probably have questions. One of the most common is: How long does a personal injury lawsuit take?
Understanding the timeline isn’t just about curiosity. It helps you plan each step with confidence. It also gives you a better chance of avoiding delays that could impact your compensation.
Here’s what shapes your case timeline and what to expect at each stage.
Overview: What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit starts when you’re hurt because of someone else’s actions or negligence. It’s a legal way to hold them responsible and seek fair compensation.
You can file a claim for many types of accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective or dangerous products
- Dog bites
The goal is to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing care or rehabilitation
If your life has been disrupted by an accident, you don’t have to face it alone. A personal injury claim can help you take back control and move forward with confidence.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYTimeline of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Every case moves differently, but most follow the same steps. Knowing what happens at each stage helps you stay prepared and in control of your legal proceedings. Here’s what to expect at each stage and how long each step might take:
Initial Medical Treatment and Recovery
Your first step is getting the care you need. Focus on treatment until your condition improves as much as possible. This is called reaching maximum medical improvement.
This stage is key to your accident compensation. Strong medical records show the full extent of your injuries and support your claim.
Hiring an Attorney and Case Evaluation
Once your health is stable, hire a lawyer. Your attorney will gather facts, review your medical records, and look at the costs tied to your injury.
This part of the personal injury process may take a few weeks. The sooner you act, the faster things move.
Filing the Claim or Lawsuit
Your attorney might begin by issuing a demand letter to the insurer. This outlines your injuries and what you’re asking for.
If no fair offer comes, the next step is filing a lawsuit. Demand negotiations usually take 1 to 3 months. Filing a suit adds time, especially if things move toward trial.
Discovery Phase
At this stage, both sides exchange important information. This includes medical records, witness statements, and other supporting documents. You may also answer questions under oath or give a recorded statement.
The goal is to help both legal teams understand the case fully. This phase often takes the longest. It usually lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on how complex your case is.
Settlement Negotiations or Mediation
Most cases settle before they reach court. According to Harvard Law School, around 92% end in an agreement during this stage.
Negotiations can happen early or after discovery. If both sides agree, the case ends, and you receive your accident compensation.
Trial (if necessary)
If no deal is made, your case goes to trial. A trial may last a few days or stretch into weeks.
Getting a trial date can take months. It depends on how busy the court is. This part adds more time to your overall injury claim duration.
Therefore, on average, expect the entire process to take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, more complex cases may take even longer.
Factors That Influence the Duration
Wondering why your personal injury case is taking so long? Here are key elements that can determine how long your case takes:
Injury Severity and Complexity
If your injuries are serious, your case may take longer. You need time to heal, and your lawyer needs time to calculate long-term costs.
Disputed Liability or Damages
When fault is unclear, expect delays. If the other side denies responsibility or challenges your damages, the case takes longer to resolve.
Insurance Company Response
Insurance companies don’t all behave the same. Some respond and settle quickly. Others delay, dispute, or deny your claim, which slows everything down.
Court Backlog and Jurisdiction
Where you file your case matters. In busy courts, heavy caseloads can push your case back by months.
Ways to Expedite Your Case
Delays in an injury claim can be frustrating, especially when you need support fast. Follow these simple but effective steps to help speed up the process:
Gather Strong Documentation
Collect all medical records, police reports, and witness statements early. These documents are key to building a strong case.
Follow Medical Advice
Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan. Gaps in care can weaken your claim, ultimately slowing down the entire lawsuit process.
Work With an Experienced Attorney
A skilled lawyer helps you avoid delays and keeps your case moving. Their guidance makes a major difference.
If you’re looking for trusted legal support, BDIW Law (Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker) has the experience you need. We handle each case with care and work hard to protect your compensation rights from start to finish.
Respond Without Delay
Answer your attorney and insurance contacts quickly. Missed calls or late replies can hold everything up.
Be Open to Fair Settlements
Waiting for a larger payout may add months to your case. Accepting a fair offer now could save you time and stress.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take: Take Control of Your Case
How long does a personal injury lawsuit take? It varies, but knowing the general timeline helps you stay prepared. Stay informed and work with a skilled attorney to keep your case on track.
At BDIW Law (Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker), we fight for injured Oklahomans–and we deliver proven results. We bring over 65 years of combined experience to every case.
We handle personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and civil rights cases across Ponca City, Tulsa, Stillwater, and nearby areas. Contact us today to discuss your personal injury claim with a trusted team.
