If you have been injured in an accident, you are probably confused and frustrated—maybe even scared. You likely don’t know what to expect. What happens next? How will you pay for your medical bills and lost wages? If you pursue legal action, how long will it take before you can get compensated?
Thanks to our many years of working with victims and resolving personal injury cases, we have extensive experience in helping victims navigate these tumultuous waters. We’re here to help you every step of the way—no matter how long it takes.
To get more information about what to expect regarding the timeline for your specific personal injury case, we recommend contacting a trustworthy personal injury attorney. However, we will also provide some general information to help you start the conversation.
How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Take?
Each personal injury case is different, and the unique circumstances of every claim will impact how long it takes to be resolved. Some straightforward personal injury claims are settled in just a few days or weeks. Other more complex cases can stretch out for months or even years, especially if it has to be resolved through a court case.
The best way to find out how long it will take to resolve a personal injury claim is to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer about the details of your case.
It’s important to keep in mind that some predatory insurance companies may try to pressure victims to agree to a lowball settlement offer quickly. Don’t sign on the dotted line until seeking legal counsel to make sure you are getting the compensation you deserve.
8 Factors Affecting the Personal Injury Case Timeline
The timeline for resolving an Illinois personal injury case depends on many different factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity and type of personal injury case, and whether the case is settled during negotiations or has to move forward to a personal injury lawsuit.
1. Severity of Your Injuries
If your personal injury case involves catastrophic or life-altering injuries, your attorney will likely need more time to collect evidence, document your injuries, and build a strong case for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
2. Investigation & Evidence Gathering Process
Victims are responsible for proving negligence in a personal injury case. That means your personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim and gather evidence to prove negligence as well as document how much your case is worth.
Some cases are more complicated and may also require expert witnesses, such as medical providers, to assist with the investigation.
It takes time for your attorney to gather the evidence needed to support your personal injury claim.
3. Issues with Determining Liability or Fault
If it’s difficult to determine who was at fault for the accident, it may take longer than expected to establish liability and find out who is responsible for what proportion of the damages. Partial fault, multiple parties, or ambiguity can all make a personal injury case take longer than expected to resolve.
4. Reasonableness of the Insurance Company
A large part of your personal injury case timeline will depend on the at-fault party’s insurance company. In some situations, the insurer may try to settle quickly, especially when the personal injury case is straightforward and liability is clear-cut. Other times, the insurer may try to drag out the process or try to deny legitimate claims in the hopes that you will accept a lower settlement offer.
5. Complexity of Your Personal Injury Case
Personal injury cases involving more complex areas of personal injury law, such as medical malpractice, wrongful death, or product liability, can take much longer to investigate. These cases often involve expert witnesses and more in-depth discovery periods, which can extend the overall timeline.
Additionally, if more than one party shares liability or if blame is being thrown around, it may take additional time to resolve.
6. Number of Parties Involved
The number of parties involved will greatly impact your personal injury case timeline. If multiple parties share liability or there were multiple victims, coordinating between everyone’s lawyers, insurance companies, and evidence can complicate—and seriously prolong—the personal injury process.
7. Length of Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations can go on for several months, with arguments and offers going back and forth while each side makes their case. If you have documented injuries and a strong case, negotiations may be resolved in just a few days or weeks. If the insurance company or at-fault party believes you are exaggerating your injuries, you have a weak case, or they can pressure you into taking a lower offer, you may be in settlement negotiations for a while.
8. Lawsuit Process
If the insurance company or at-fault parties refuse to agree to a fair settlement or act in bad faith, you may be forced to file a personal injury lawsuit. While most personal injury cases are settled long before the courtroom, a lawsuit may be your only option.
Unfortunately, the lawsuit process is lengthy and will extend your personal injury case timeline significantly. It can take months or years before you see a dime.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law. We have represented hundreds of personal injury clients and obtained millions of dollars in awards for our clients in Chicago and across Illinois.
Our personal injury attorneys have experience in all aspects of personal injury law, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the best possible compensation. Regardless of the nature of your case, you can rely on us to guide you toward a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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