General Timelines for Personal Injury Cases

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

“How long will my personal injury claim take?” is one of the most common initial questions attorneys receive, especially early on in the process. The truth is that settlements can take between two weeks to two years or longer and it’s almost impossible to provide an accurate estimate before the claim has begun because the severity and circumstances of accidents and injuries sustained by the victims vary so greatly.

How severely you were injured and the extent of necessary medical treatment is often a primary factor in estimating the length of a personal injury claim. Accidents resulting in only minor injuries are more likely to be settled within weeks or months, while those resulting in serious and/or complicated injuries can take much longer.

Here are some other important factors:

– Medical treatment – Receiving all necessary medical treatment is essential for your legal claim as well as your recovery and allows your doctor and attorney to fully understand how your injuries have and will affect you and your quality of life. It also allows time to identify any delayed symptoms of injuries which were not immediately apparent after the accident so your claim can take these issues into account. – Factual conflicts – Keeping track of paperwork and documentation is the best way to avoid various factual conflicts which can delay the settlement process. This documentation includes things such as lost wage information, medical bills, diagnostic imaging results, traffic accident reports, accident-reconstruction reports, witness interviews, and photographs of the injuries and scene of the accident. – Money – High medical expenses, third-party claims, and other factors can result in large sums of money being negotiated, and these settlements can take much longer to reach, especially when insurance companies are not willing to pay out adequate sums to accident victims. – Lawsuits – If the insurance company is unwilling to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses, some cases will result in a lawsuit being filed by your attorney. It’s important to remember that most personal injury claims are settled before a lawsuit is necessary, but your attorney will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

General Timelines for Personal Injury Cases

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