The amount of time until a case will be resolved varies depending on the situation and steps taken. Cases generally end up in court, after filing a lawsuit, if a settlement cannot be reached. After filing a lawsuit against the responsible party, the discovery process will begin, in which both parties conduct an investigation. This process can take months or even years, and often times, the court will require both parties to participate in mediation, which may lead to a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached during mediation, a trial date will be set. Personal injury trials can last anywhere between one day to over a month and the judge or jury will determine the percentage of fault and issue compensation. Following trial, the losing party may appeal certain aspects of the case. The appellate process can take a year or more to be resolved and may result in the appeal being sustained or the case being tried again.
Other factors also contribute to the length of a lawsuit such as liability and the amount of compensation demanded. Cases with smaller settlements tend to take less time than those with possibly large settlements. Also, the type of lawsuit may determine the length of a lawsuit. For example, a medical malpractice case is more likely to go on longer than an automobile accident case. Also, the amount of time taken for the injured party to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) affects the length of a lawsuit, as an attorney may choose not to file a lawsuit until the injured party is fully recovered.
Personal injury lawsuits can be long and exhausting, making it imperative to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side to investigate your claim, make a demand and negotiate your claim. If you or someone you know has been injured and need assistance in filing a lawsuit, call Darfoor Law Firm at 1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation.
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