If you are in the midst of a personal injury case, or are considering filing one, chances are you are wondering how long it will take. The fact is the circumstances and details of your case, in addition to your willingness to settle, will determine the length of time it takes for your case to reach a resolution. That said, there are many reasons why it would be unwise to accept an offer and settle quickly.
Here are some of the factors that often impact the duration of a personal injury case:
- Your case has some issues: If it is difficult to determine liability or damages in your personal injury case, you will undoubtedly run into some problems and it is unlikely that an insurance company would be willing to make any kind of settlement offer until a judge rules on your right to sue. For example, if the treating physician in your case is unsure about the role of defendant’s negligence in relation to your injuries, this could derail your case.
- Big money is involved: If your case involves a substantial amount of money, the insurer will do everything possible to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve. To draw out the case, they will investigate every aspect of the lawsuit. If they cannot attack your credibility or craft an adequate defense, they might consider proposing a reasonable offer. However, they often hope that the injured party simply cannot wait for a delayed settlement or verdict and will settle for less than what is deserved.
- You did not reach maximum medical improvement: A more legitimate reason for a prolonged case is that you have yet to reach maximum medical improvement. It is difficult to value a plaintiff’s damages if he or she is still being treated for injuries, so if you can afford to wait, it is best to reach this point if you want to ensure you receive the fairest possible settlement.
Keep in mind that if you ultimately decide to settle quickly on your case, you cannot reopen it if you realize the amount received is not enough to compensate you for your injuries.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Indiana
If you or a loved one was injured due to another party’s negligent or careless actions, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation. At Langer & Langer, we are dedicated to helping injured victims recover damages for medical and rehabilitation bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
Contact our office today at 219-246-4759 to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team.