Personal injuries can be scary and overwhelming. If you’ve suffered one recently and plan to file a personal injury claim, you might wonder, “How long do personal injury lawsuits take?”
Knowing what to expect before a lawsuit is critical to adequately prepare, know your rights, and not settle for a less-than-reasonable settlement.
Although lawsuits are often complicated, you don’t need to remain in limbo for an indefinite period of time and wonder how things will turn out. You can act now by hiring a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, LA, who will guide you through every step of your case.
Factors To Consider in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit varies from case to case. Because each person is different, each case also follows a slightly different timeline. Several factors will contribute to the overall length of your case, making it last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
How the Complexity of Your Lawsuit Impacts the Timeline
The complexity of your lawsuit is another factor to consider. More complicated personal injury cases typically take a longer time to sift through and settle in court. For example, incidents with lots of different aspects will often include the following:
- Investigating the incident thoroughly
- Consulting various experts
- Organizing all the evidence
- Determining at-fault or partial fault
- Examining medical records
If you experience a soft tissue injury, your lawsuit may take less than three months after recovery. However, your case will probably take much longer if you remain in your doctor’s care longer.
How the Severity of Your Injury Impacts the Timeline
The severity of your injuries plays an essential role in determining how long the lawsuit will take. The more serious the damage, the more compensation you will likely want to pursue to help pay for medical bills, present and future lost wages, and emotional distress. In addition, the insurance company will probably create more pushback to prevent a hefty payout.
How long do personal injury lawsuits take in Louisiana? The sooner you recover from your injuries, the sooner you can pursue a fair settlement. Worse injuries require more recovery time, more expenses, and a more drawn-out lawsuit.
Why You Shouldn’t Reach a Settlement Until You Fully Recover
Settlements are negotiated agreements between the victim and the responsible party, which can include compensation for damages. You might feel anxious to settle as soon as possible and finish the legal process so that you can move on with your life. However, reaching an early settlement could cost you in the long run.
If you settle before fully recovering from your injuries and medical treatment, there’s no guarantee the settlement amount will last until the end of your recovery period. You may end up spending more money than you initially anticipated and face financial hardships. Don’t settle prematurely or settle for less than you deserve.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Speed Up the Process
Another factor to consider involves personal injury attorneys. Experienced lawyers can provide vital guidance, effective representation, and the advice you need to understand all your legal options. A personal injury attorney can even help you reach a settlement sooner by:
- Ensuring that you meet every important deadline
- Helping you write a compelling statement
- Reviewing and organizing documents efficiently
- Contacting the necessary authorities
- Knowing how to navigate the judicial system
- Fighting for your rights in court
- Sidestepping insurance company tactics
- Exploiting the most effective angles
Need Legal Help in New Orleans After an Injury? Contact Us at The Voorhies Law Firm
The answer to “How long do personal injury lawsuits take?” depends on numerous factors. At The Voorhies Law Firm, our New Orleans personal injury attorneys know if Louisiana is a no-fault state and can accurately evaluate your case to determine how long it may take. Call us at 504-875-2223 to schedule a consultation.
