How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement from a Lawsuit?

Investing time in your personal injury case can prevent accepting an offer well below the value of your claim.

No one is usually thrilled to hear that a lawsuit can take a significant amount of time to settle. You may have been out of work due to your injuries and you see medical expenses mounting. There is no precise time frame to say that your case will be settled by, but remember that rushing these things may lead to a faster settlement, but it will most likely be for an amount substantially below what you deserve. Once you sign that release for the insurance company in exchange for your settlement check, you are waiving all rights to anything in the future. This one settlement will be for your current and future expenses relating to your accident injuries and losses.

The length of time it takes to get a settlement from a lawsuit will depend on several things, including:

• The extent of your injuries and the medical treatment needed. Your personal injury claim will be filed once your doctor has determined you have reached maximum medical improvement. Getting to this point can take some time and will depend on the nature of your injuries. Settling your claim before this puts you at serious risk because there can be medical complications and future treatments such as surgeries and physical therapy that will not be taken into account in the settlement amount. Get all of the medical treatment you need for your injuries and ensure that the full effects of your injuries are documented.

• Investigation and records requests. All of your medical bills and records need to be gathered and reviewed before sending them off to the insurance company. This takes time. Additionally, the accident which caused the injury needs to be investigated. Determining the liable party and ensuring that all possible avenues for monetary recovery have been explored is important to substantiating your claim and making sure you get the compensation you deserve.

• The response from the insurance company. Sometimes insurance companies will take their time in reviewing a settlement package. They review all of the medical records and other documentation before coming back with a settlement offer. While documenting the time it takes for the insurance company to respond and following up with the company on a regular basis can help move things along, it can still be a while before the company comes back with a settlement amount.

As a general rule, if you are willing to accept a low offer in order to settle your claim quicker, that is an option. Remember that this is the only time you will be able to recover compensation for these accident injuries. Once you accept that settlement check, that will be it. A short term gain can easily lead to significant, long-term costs.

Before you consider settling your personal injury case, contact experienced attorney Rob Lovett. After representing the injured for over 20 years, Attorney Lovett will give you the trusted legal advice you need to feel secure in your decision. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.