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Key Takeaways
- Timelines vary. Most cases last months to years based on injury severity, treatment, and evidence.
- Don’t rush before MMI. Negotiations typically start after maximum medical improvement (MMI), so damages are fully known.
- Filing suit extends the timeline but can increase leverage if talks stall.
- Get counsel early. An attorney can preserve evidence, manage insurers, and keep your case moving.
- NST Law treats every case as if it will go to trial to secure your maximum compensation.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, a personal injury case can take anywhere from a few months to several years. After an injury, you can face many challenges and hardships, like physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. There’s no straightforward answer for how long a case may take, but NST Law has over 35 years of experience guiding clients through the legal process, providing realistic timelines and winning billions for our clients.
Recovery from an injury can be unpredictable, but with our personalized service at NST Law, you can be confident that your rights will be protected. We’ll fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Delays Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury cases can take time, from a few months to a few years. The severity of your injuries, medical treatment, and recovery contribute to these varying timelines. Your negotiations often won’t begin until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, and if your injuries require long-term care, it can take more time to reach your settlement after an accident.
Investigating your accident and case takes time, along with evidence gathering. After an in-depth analysis and collecting all the evidence for your case, your attorney will begin negotiations with insurance companies. With an attorney representing your personal injury case, you don’t need to navigate communications with insurance companies alone. Some cases settle quickly and don’t go to court. If negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial, extending the timeline. At that point, your timeline will be based on the court’s docket.
At NST Law, we want to spend the necessary time building you the strongest case possible and will prepare your case for trial from the beginning so we can strengthen your settlement leverage. With a team of over 175 attorneys and legal staff, we have the resources to dedicate ourselves to maximizing the results of your case.
How Often Can I Expect to Hear from My Attorney?
If you work with our attorneys at NST Law, you can reach your legal team anytime. We’re happy to travel to meet with clients and are committed to being accessible and regularly communicating with them about cases. Providing you with the personalized service and dedication your case deserves is deeply important to us, and maintaining direct and regular communication is key.
Update cadence varies by stage—evidence gathering may be quieter, while demand, negotiations, and trial prep bring more frequent check-ins. But we’ll make sure you’re never left in the dark. When you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What Our Satisfied Personal Injury Clients Say
They are the true champions! From Parker to the paralegals, even the office staff; very professional, reliable people that will help you with your case from the beginning to the end. Great communication, you don’t have to worry about feeling lost when you need answers. They will break it all the way down, no question is too much! If you need a dependable law firm to help with your case, they are the way to go!
I HAVE HAD THE BEST AND I DO MEAN THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE WITH THE NST LAW FIRM! MY ATTORNEY MR. STEVEN SAHAROVICI AND ALL OF THE STAFF HAS BEEN WONDERFUL WITH COMMUNICATING WITH ME, ALONG WITH PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND PLEASANT ATTITUDES!!!! I CAN NOT EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE ENOUGH!!!! YOU GUYS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!!! IF YOU EVER NEED AN ATTORNEY NST LAW FIRM IS THE PLACE TO BE!
My case was complicated for me but broken down piece by piece by these warm professionals. Monica and Julianne were amazing. They always returned my calls & made sure everything was clear from the start. They took care of everything that came up that I wasn’t sure of. My case was resolved in a very short time and I am extremely pleased with the service they offered. Highly recommended. Thank you Monica and Julianne at NST.
Typical Timeline for a Personal Injury Case
When you’ve been injured and decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, these cases follow certain steps. After contacting NST Law, a typical timeline for a personal injury case can look like:
- Medical Treatment: The first step is getting medical treatment after an injury or accident. Once you receive care, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions and treatment plan. Be sure to schedule and attend any follow-up appointments.
- Investigation and Evidence: Your attorney and legal team will investigate your case and collect evidence, which can take time. Your attorney will provide an in-depth analysis to strengthen your claim, reviewing accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance footage.
- Demand Letter: Once your attorney is confident in the strength of your case, they will submit a demand letter to the liable insurance company. This letter will explain your accident and injuries, and how the person’s insurance is responsible. After receiving the letter, insurance companies have a few weeks to a few months, depending on the policy and applicable law, to investigate the claim and respond.
- Negotiation: If the company accepts liability for your injuries, negotiations will begin to settle on fair compensation.
- Filing a Suit: If the company denies liability or a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can file a lawsuit.
- Trial: If a trial is necessary in your case, once your lawsuit is filed, the discovery phase begins before your trial. You may be required to attend trial with your attorney.
Reaching a settlement can take months to a year, and if you go to trial, it can take longer. After a settlement, you can decide how to receive your payment. Our proactive approach to cases, dedicated preparation, and persistence can help your case conclude successfully faster and more fairly.
Settlement vs. Trial Timelines
In some cases, when an insurance company receives a demand letter, negotiations may not take long, and they could offer a settlement that your attorney feels is fair to you and your injuries. If negotiations stall, filing suit and preparing for trial may increase leverage, but it also extends the timeline and adds risk.
Our legal team approaches every case as if it will go to trial, and our attorneys are prepared to do so if it means securing you the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. Over the years, we’ve represented thousands of clients successfully, with billions won for their injuries.
How NST Law Guides Clients Through a Personal Injury Case
While timelines can vary based on the circumstances of your case, the most important priority is securing the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
NST Law is structured entirely around compassionate care for our clients, personalized service, and tireless work for securing substantial compensation. Our team of experienced lawyers is committed to fighting for our clients’ rights and getting them the compensation and justice they deserve. With a track record of winning billions in compensation for injured victims, we bring the same level of dedication and resources to every case.
We aim to always be accessible, ready to answer the phone, and happy to visit clients at home or in the hospital. Everyone on our team works to uphold our Six Pillars, providing our clients with trust and transparency, and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
We are passionate about our clients and the communities we serve. For a free consultation, contact us today or call (800) 529-4004.
Personal Injury Timeline FAQs
What is the average length of a personal injury case?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, the average length of a personal injury case can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Your negotiations shouldn’t begin until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
Does filing a lawsuit make a case take longer?
Yes, filing a lawsuit typically prolongs a case, but it can also increase leverage.
Can I speed up my personal injury case?
You can speed up your case by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to prompt legal action. Provide thorough records, medical reports, and any evidence related to your case. Be aware of any deadlines and the statute of limitations.
How do I know if my lawyer is working on my case?
When you work with NST Law, your lawyer and legal team will inform you about the progress of your case. Our Six Pillars approach means our team will regularly update you, respond quickly to your questions, and be transparent about your case.
Why do medical treatments affect my settlement timeline?
Many insurance companies will not provide a final settlement if you still receive medical treatment for your injuries. You should not begin negotiations until you have reached maximum medical improvement, so you know the full extent and cost of your injuries.
