How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take To Settle in Wisconsin?
If you’re preparing to take legal action after an accident, you’ll probably ask, “How long does a personal injury case take to settle?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A fairly straightforward car accident claim could settle within months, while some complex, disputed cases carry on for years. An experienced personal injury attorney in Wisconsin may estimate how soon they’ll likely be able to resolve your case, but no lawyer can give you a hard and fast timeline.
Let’s examine a few issues often determining how a case plays out.
The Degree of Your Injuries
Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the longer your case will likely take. There are two main reasons for this.
First, evaluating your condition, recovery prospects, and potential future medical bills can be hard immediately following a serious injury. Waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) will help your lawyer calculate losses more accurately. Of course, your attorney will ensure you take action before the statute of limitations runs out.
Second, when negotiating a large settlement amount after a serious injury, the at-fault party’s insurance company or lawyer is likelier to challenge your claim, so your case could take more time to resolve.
Available Evidence
When you start a personal injury case, the burden of proof is on you. You must present compelling evidence establishing the other side’s fault, such as photos and videos, a police report, witness statements, and medical bills.
Sometimes, evidence can be inconclusive. For example, it could be unclear which driver’s actions led to a collision in a chain accident. Several insurers may then point fingers at each other and try to dodge responsibility. Your attorney may need to source additional evidence, like testimony from an accident reconstructionist or another professional authority.
Negotiations With the Insurance Company
The answer to “How long does a personal injury case take to settle?” depends on the other side’s cooperation.
Once your lawyer calculates your damages, they’ll send a demand letter to the liable insurer. However, the insurance company probably won’t agree to cover all your losses without question. They’ll likely issue a much lower counter-offer. Your lawyer will then work hard to negotiate a fairer offer on your behalf.
If, at the end of this negotiation process, the insurance company’s offer is left unchanged (or isn’t significantly higher) and your lawyer believes you have a solid case, they may recommend going to court. Litigated cases always take longer than straightforward insurance claims.
Injured in Wisconsin? Call Our Law Firm Today
So, how long does a personal injury case take to settle? As you can see, there are many factors to consider. However complex your case might be, we at Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis will work hard to resolve your personal injury case as quickly as possible. We can also help you fight for a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call us at 715-268-6130 or complete our quick online form for a free case evaluation.
