When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an injury, it’s natural to have questions, especially about how long a personal injury lawsuit might take. While every case is different, knowing what to expect can take some of the stress off your shoulders.
At Shaheen & Gordon, our Keene personal injury lawyers guide clients through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial. We work to resolve your case efficiently while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What affects how long a personal injury case takes?
The timeline of a personal injury claim can range from a few months to over a year, depending on several factors, including:
- The extent of your medical treatment
- Whether liability is disputed or clear
- Number of at-fault parties
- The availability of witnesses and experts
- Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial
Some cases settle quickly, especially when injuries are minor and the facts are clear. But others, particularly those involving catastrophic injury or complex liability issues, may take longer.
Do most personal injury cases settle?
Yes. Most personal injury claims are resolved through a settlement agreement rather than a trial. Once your treatment is complete and your damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are fully known, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company.
But if the settlement offer is too low or the other side denies liability, it may be necessary to move forward with filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Why medical treatment matters
Your medical recovery can directly impact the timing of your case. It’s important to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, or know your long-term prognosis, before settling. Otherwise, you’ll risk accepting a personal injury settlement that doesn’t reflect your future care needs.
Some injuries may involve delayed symptoms, like concussions or internal damage, which can take days or even weeks to appear. Settling too early could mean missing compensation for those conditions that develop later.
Your experienced personal injury attorney will help gather medical records and coordinate with your doctors to make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your injuries.
What happens after a lawsuit is filed?
Once you’ve decided on filing a personal injury lawsuit, several steps follow:
- Complaint filing and service of process
- Discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence
- Depositions and expert witness reports
- Mediation or settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation, if needed
Throughout this entire process, your personal injury lawyer will communicate with you regularly and keep your case moving forward.
Can I speed up the process?
While you can’t control every aspect of the legal process, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney helps you avoid unnecessary delays. Your lawyer can gather strong documentation and negotiate assertively. This can help you get quicker, more favorable outcomes.
You can also help by attending all your scheduled medical appointments, keeping thorough records, gathering evidence for your case, and responding quickly to your attorney’s requests.
How do I know if my case will take longer?
Your case may take longer than average if it involves:
- A catastrophic injury with long-term consequences
- Disputes over fault or shared liability
- A high number of parties or insurance carriers
- Ongoing medical treatment or surgery
- A trial with extensive expert testimony
No matter what your case involves, the experienced legal team at Shaheen & Gordon will work to resolve it as efficiently as possible, without compromising the result.
Need help with a personal injury claim in Keene?
The timeline of your case may vary, but your right to justice doesn’t. If you’ve been injured and need help navigating your next steps, our legal team is here for you.
Call (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to request a free consultation with our personal injury trial lawyers. Shaheen & Gordon proudly serves clients across New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
