After being involved in an accident, dealing with injury claims or lawsuits can be overwhelming and a nuisance. Though most people want to resolve all issues as soon as possible, a personal injury settlement can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For details on the settlement process and skilled representation, contact a Pikeville, KY personal injury lawyer today.
How Long Do Personal Injury Settlements Usually Take?
As will be demonstrated below, the amount of time it takes for a personal injury case to result in a settlement varies depending on a slew of variables unique to each situation. However, on average, a personal injury settlement in Kentucky takes approximately six months to one year depending on the extent of the damage sustained.
What Factors Can Contribute to My Personal Injury Settlement Being Delayed?
In the beginning stages, it can be difficult to determine how long a personal injury case will take to resolve. The following are some common factors that can delay the process of settling an injury case.
- The severity of your injuries: Accidents that result in severe injuries can leave victims in recovery for extended periods. The healing process and cost of treatments are generally ongoing for a while so your attorney and the insurance company may decide to begin negotiations after you reach what is known as maximum medical improvement so everyone has a general understanding of the expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.
- The insurance company: Unfortunately, the way the insurance company behaves has a great impact on the length of time it will take to resolve your case. If they offer a lowball settlement or reject your attorney’s request multiple times, the negotiation process will likely take a significant amount of time.
- Liability disputes: The other party may attempt to claim that they are not liable for the accident or that you share some responsibility for your injuries. If it cannot be obviously proven who is liable then it may take time for experts and witnesses to be questioned and liability to be determined.
- Medical records: If you did not go to the doctor and do not have medical records it could hinder the development of your case. Additionally, if you waited a while before seeking medical attention it could give the insurance company the opportunity to claim that your injuries are due to an unrelated accident or preexisting condition.
- Contested evidence: Issues with evidence including missing or contested information can slow down the process of discovery and therefore lengthen the time that it takes to settle.
- Complexity: A case can be more or less complex depending on several factors. Accidents that involve multiple parties can take longer to resolve as several individuals have to be investigated and considered during negotiations. Unique legal issues that require significant research could also delay the process.
If you were injured in an accident and are wondering what the next few months or even years of your life will look like as you navigate the legal process of settling a claim, it is important that you hire competent representation. Reach out to a skilled attorney at Shane Hall, Attorney at Law, PLLC today.
