How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
After being injured in an accident due to another person’s negligence, it is easy to wonder how long a personal injury lawsuit will take. You want to know the timeline for your personal injury case so you know what to expect. However, the length of time your lawsuit will take will vary based on the specifics of your accident and other factors. While we can cover an overview of what to expect and the time it could take for your case, contacting our personal injury lawyers in Denver, Colorado, for a more detailed timeline is highly recommended.
The Average Personal Injury Lawsuit in Colorado
In Colorado, the average time it takes to resolve a personal injury lawsuit varies depending on several factors, such as the case’s complexity, the extent of injuries, and whether or not a settlement is reached outside of court. On average, personal injury lawsuits in Colorado can take anywhere from several months to a few years to reach a resolution.
What Dictates the Amount of Time a Personal Injury Lawsuit Takes?
Several factors can dictate the amount of time a personal injury lawsuit takes to resolve, including:
- The severity of injuries: The extent of your injuries can impact how long it takes to determine their full impact, as well as the associated medical expenses. If specialized treatment or surgery is required, this may lengthen the duration of the case.
- High medical expenses: If your medical expenses are significant, insurance companies may take longer to settle the claim and thoroughly evaluate it before reaching a resolution.
- Lost wages claims: Cases involving substantial sums for lost wages can prolong the lawsuit, particularly if there is disagreement over compensation amounts.
- Disputes over liability: If there are disagreements about who is responsible for causing the injury, negotiations and legal proceedings might be prolonged.
- Evidence gathering: Collecting evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements, accident reports, and medical records, takes time and affects how quickly a case is resolved.
- Settlement negotiation: Negotiating with insurance companies or other parties involved in the lawsuit can take time, as insurance companies often like to start with a low offer. Therefore, the time needed to make counteroffers and negotiate on a reasonable amount can take some time.
- Trial proceedings: In cases where parties cannot agree on a settlement outside of court, litigation could lead to a trial, further extending the timeline for resolving the personal injury lawsuit.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Process?
Speeding up the process to expedite your personal injury lawsuit can be possible when you remember to do the following:
- Act promptly: Seek medical attention immediately after an accident and consult with a personal injury attorney in Denver as soon as possible to start the legal proceedings.
- Keep detailed records: Document all relevant information related to your case, including medical records, expenses, receipts, accident reports, and any communication with insurance companies or other parties involved.
- Cooperate fully: Provide requested information to your attorney as soon as possible and respond quickly to any requests for documentation or evidence needed for your case.
- Be proactive in treatment: Follow through with recommended medical treatments and therapies to demonstrate that you are actively working toward recovery.
- Reduce delays: Attend all scheduled appointments related to your case and meetings with lawyers, as well as court dates if necessary.
- Communicate openly: Stay in regular communication with your attorney and provide timely responses to any inquiries.
- Consider settlement offers: When both parties are willing to negotiate, it can be possible to reach a settlement. However, when evaluating offers, ensure you consider the advice given by your Denver personal injury lawyer to guarantee fair and just compensation for your injuries.
It is important to remember that even when you and your legal team are ready to resolve your injury claim as soon as possible, insurance companies, insurance adjusters, the other party, and their lawyers can cause delays that are simply out of your control.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Early on in the Process?
How a lawyer can help when hiring a personal injury attorney early on in the process provides several benefits, including:
- Helps you avoid mistakes that can delay a case: Your attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you do not make any errors or omissions that could delay your case or compromise your claim.
- Prevents you from saying things that could hurt your injury claim: Having an attorney represent you from the beginning can prevent you from saying anything that may inadvertently harm your injury claim.
- Gets the investigation going immediately: A skilled attorney will initiate an investigation into the accident promptly to gather evidence and determine liability before crucial information is lost or compromised.
- Deals with insurance companies on your behalf: Your attorney communicates with insurance companies on your behalf, navigates the complex claims process, negotiates settlements, and advocates for fair compensation, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.
- Evens the playing field between you and the insurance company: Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and legal teams working for them. Hiring a lawyer to represent your interests evens the playing field, making obtaining a successful settlement and outcome easier.
- Properly values your injuries: An experienced Denver attorney knows how to correctly determine the value of your injury claim and damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Adheres to the statute of limitations: Colorado has statutes of limitations for personal injury cases where you only have a set amount of time to file your claim. You have no recourse against the responsible party if you miss this deadline. Your lawyer is aware of these statutes for auto accidents, non-auto accidents, and claims against government employees and agencies to guarantee your claim is filed quickly and within the allowed time period.
So, How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
How long a personal injury lawsuit takes depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, disputed liability issues, and the time it takes to complete negotiations with insurance companies. While some cases may be resolved in a matter of months, others could take a few years to resolve through settlements or litigation in court. It is vital to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Denver, Colorado, early on to expedite the process and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
If You Have Been Injured, Bachus & Schanker Is Here for You
After being injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, Bachus & Schanker is here for you. Our experienced team of Denver personal injury attorneys navigate the complex legal process, fight for your rights, and seek fair compensation on your behalf to give you time to focus on recovering and healing from your injuries. Let our caring and compassionate lawyers support you through this difficult period and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
