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The Simmons Law Group is an experienced personal injury law firm in Altamonte Springs, FL. We have a proud history of standing up for members of our community who have medical costs, lost wages, disability, pain, and suffering from injuries that were not their fault.
How long do personal injury lawsuits take? The timeline varies for each case. Below are factors that can determine the length of a lawsuit.
Assessing and Documenting Injuries
Injury assessment and documentation can easily lengthen the lawsuit duration.
It is never too soon to lay the groundwork for a personal injury case. Consult a reputable personal injury lawyer to avoid mistakes that could complicate your claim and lengthen the lawsuit process. Gather evidence of medical treatment, medical bills, police reports, witness statements, and other documentation as soon as possible after the incident.
Meeting the Statute of Limitations
Depending on the case, you have a limited amount of time from the date of the injuries to file a claim.
It is harder to answer the question “How long do personal injury lawsuits take?” for later steps because court delays and procedures can cause them to take longer.
Filing the Paperwork (A Few Days)
The process of drafting and submitting the claim paperwork should not take long. Take a day or two to read the paperwork and discuss any concerns you have with your personal injury attorney before officially filing the claim.
Discovery (A Few Weeks or Months)
During a personal injury case, the plaintiff presents their evidence, including a list of witnesses, to the court in a process known as discovery. The defendant’s attorney will have the opportunity to object to evidence. Likewise, you and your attorney will be able to challenge the admissibility of the defendant’s evidence.
The Settlement Phase (Variable)
The defendant’s attorney might be willing to settle the matter out of court. A defendant might offer a settlement to avoid the cost of the trial and negative publicity or to prevent a judge or jury from awarding you a larger sum at trial.
If you receive a settlement offer from the defendant or their insurance company, consider questions such as:
- Is the offer adequate to cover the costs of the injury?
- Could the award be higher if the case went to trial?
- Do you have the time and resources for a trial?
- Are you willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of the settlement?
How long do personal injury lawsuits take? That can depend on how flexible you and the defendant are regarding the settlement.
The Trial (One to Two Years)
When clients ask, “How long do personal injury lawsuits take?” they often have the trial in mind. In most cases, you should plan for at least a year. Your attorney can give you greater clarification based on your case’s details.
Contact The Simmons Law Group
At the Simmons Law Group, we want our clients to know the statute of limitations for personal injury in Florida, legal rights, and other essential information. Call our office at (407) 454-3000 to get started on your personal injury claim today.
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