Sustaining an injury due to someone else’s negligence can be devastating, resulting in physical, emotional, and financial burdens that derail your life. Fortunately, you can pursue legal action against the responsible party. However, many are hesitant to pursue a personal injury case because they are concerned about how long it will take to resolve their claim. Unfortunately, the timeline varies from one case to another. Please continue reading to learn what factors influence the timeline so you can be better prepared for this complex legal process and how a skilled New York City Personal Injury Attorney can help you attain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
What Factors Affect the Timeline of a Personal Injury Case?
On average, personal injury cases can take between one to three years to resolve. However, every case is different, and numerous variables can slow or speed up the process. As the bills begin to mount, you may be eager to accept the first settlement offered to you by the insurance company so that you can receive payment and finish your case. This is not advised as it can be detrimental to your long-term interests. An early settlement is often less than what your claim is worth. As such, you should consult an experienced attorney who can help you attain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
One of the most influential factors that will complicate your case is the severity of the injuries sustained. Essentially, the more severe the injury and the more significant the impact is on your quality of life, the higher the settlement you will receive. As such, the insurance company will scrutinize and contest the claim, leading to delays in proceedings. It’s important to understand the full extent of your injuries and any potential future care needs before accepting a settlement.
Another factor that can affect the duration of your personal injury case is the insurance company’s willingness to work with you to reach a fair settlement. Often, insurance companies will employ various tactics to undervalue or deny your payout. If the insurance company is willing to engage in negotiations and address the claim fairly, it can significantly shorten the resolution time. In addition, the willingness of the defendant to settle can impact the length of your case. If the defendant is unwilling to settle, the case will need to proceed to trial, which can take a substantial amount of time.
At the Law Office of Brian J. Elbaum, we are prepared to help guide you through each phase of the claims process. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to learn how we can fight for you.
