At Bianca | Matkins, we treat every case like it’s going to trial, even though we know most can be settled out of court. When we cover all bases and prepare your case against every foreseeable challenge, we are in the best position to win you the most advantageous outcome possible.
A lot of personal injury clients have the same initial question: “How long will my case take?”
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?
We can’t give you a solid answer to that question without first meeting to discuss the details of your situation. Each case is entirely unique, and some take much longer than others to reach a resolution.
The timeline can span from months to years. The minimum amount of time for a personal injury case is about one to two months, while the maximum amount of time may be several years. Most cases fall somewhere in the middle.
Cases that necessitate filing a lawsuit and going to trial usually take a good deal longer than those that can be settled with the insurance company out of court.
Filing a Lawsuit Takes Longer Than a Personal Injury Insurance Claim
When we handle a personal injury case on behalf of a client, we typically begin by negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement. But if the insurance company is unwilling to provide fair compensation and an out-of-court settlement can’t be reached, we are fully capable of advocating for our clients in court before a judge and jury.
Going to court takes more time. You can expect the legal process of preparing the case, waiting for a court date, presenting the case to the judge, and awaiting a judge and jury verdict to take at least a year or more. However, this is sometimes the only way to recover what has been taken from you and hold the at-fault party liable for their harmful actions.
We believe maximum compensation that can set you up for a future of health and financial security is the most important goal of your personal injury case—and we will do what it takes to get you there, regardless of the time, effort, or creativity we need to devote to your case.
What Factors Affect How Long My Case Will Take?
Besides the time difference between settling out of court and going to trial, the nature of the injuries you suffered is a top factor in determining how long your case will take.
Cases involving catastrophic injuries take longer, as a rule. These injuries require more time to treat, more time to monitor, and more time to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or a complete recovery. They also may result in permanent disability, which will factor into the negotiations and often require the testimony of an expert witness who can calculate how much you will need to spend across your lifetime to manage your new condition.
Additionally, because catastrophic injury cases can reach into the multi-millions, insurance carriers are more likely to push back against such large payouts. There may be more back-and-forth negotiations with the insurance company as they attempt to lower your compensation, forcing you and your personal injury attorney to prove why you are in need and deserving of the amount of compensation demanded through your injury claim.
It’s safe to say that almost all cases involving major bodily injuries will take much longer than those involving mild to moderate injuries. Injuries considered catastrophic, having a severe and permanent effect on the survivor’s life, will usually require the most time to treat until a stable medical condition is finally attained. These injuries may be:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Permanent disability
- Extreme disfigurement and scarring
- Burns
- Multiple broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
In addition to injury severity, there are other elements that have an influence on how long your case will take. These include how willing the insurance company is to cooperate in the process, how clear liability is, and the multiple ways your life was impacted by the accident.
A list of factors that impact the timeline of a personal injury case may include:
- Your type of personal injury case, whether it is a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, a defective product case, commercial trucking negligence, or another type of injury event
- Whether a wrongful death was involved
- The severity and type of your injuries, and how long you will need medical treatment
- Whether you will experience permanent disability
- Whether you can continue to work in the same capacity
- If you will be able to work at all in the future
- What happens during the negotiation process with the insurance company
- Whether there are disputes about liability
- Whether you need to file a lawsuit
- How experienced your attorney is in handling the process
Connect With a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Isn’t Afraid of Hard Work
Founding attorneys Rusty Bianca and Fielding Matkins aren’t afraid of hard work. This roll-up-our-sleeves attitude is what our law practice is founded upon. We have devoted every second of our legal careers to fighting perseveringly for those who need our help.
No matter how long your case takes, we’re in for the ride. We are here to support and advocate for you as long as you need us. We never give up halfway. We know what your case is worth, and we won’t settle for anything less.
To speak with one of our attorneys about your Baton Rouge personal injury matter, contact our law firm today. You can fill out our online intake form or call our law firm directly to schedule an appointment. There is no fee for a free consultation, and this case evaluation session does not put you under contract or obligation to partner with our law office.
