Sustaining a personal injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence is a frustrating and often stressful experience. You are likely dealing with the complex aftermath of medical bills, physical recovery, and extended time off work.
A common question that people ask when they find themselves in this situation is, “How long will a personal injury case take?” Our compassionate legal team at Lawrence & Associates is highly skilled in navigating even the most complicated cases on behalf of our clients. We can streamline the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Below, we’ll break down what typically affects a case timeline and how our team helps keep your claim on track.
Understanding the Timeline of a Personal Injury Case
Generally, personal injury cases are resolved within a few months to two years. However, this largely depends on the circumstances and can vary. While some cases settle quickly, others take longer when liability is disputed or when injuries demand extended treatment.
Personal injury claims in Kentucky and Ohio follow similar processes, but deadlines, also known as statutes of limitations, differ slightly. In Kentucky, personal injury victims have one year from the date of their accident to file a claim; however, this timeframe increases to two years for certain car accident claims.
Ohio provides a two-year deadline for victims to file, except in cases involving medical malpractice. These are generally one year from when the injury was discovered or should have been, per Ohio Revised Code § 2305.113.
Regardless of the state you sustained an injury in, acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met. Lawrence & Associates’ timeline for personal injury cases typically consists of an initial consultation, investigation, medical treatment, negotiations, and either a final settlement or litigation. Discover more about our process by scheduling an initial consultation today.
Stages of a Personal Injury Case and Typical Timelines
Each stage of the personal injury claims process plays a key role in securing fair compensation. Our dedicated attorneys take meticulous measures to ensure you are one step closer to the financial recovery you deserve.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The initial case consultation can be scheduled and held immediately after the accident, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks. During this stage, a legal professional will evaluate your case, reviewing the facts and determining your eligibility for damages.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Period
Your lawyer should prioritize your physical and emotional well-being in the personal injury process. This means ensuring you receive the proper medical treatment in a timely manner. However, this stage can be lengthy, as claims often do not settle until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), when damages can be accurately calculated. Minor soft-tissue injuries may stabilize in weeks, but serious injuries can take a year or more.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The investigation phase of a personal injury claim typically takes one to three months. The exact length will depend on the complexities of your case. An experienced attorney will collect vital evidence, including medical records, bills, witness statements, photos, surveillance footage, expert evaluations, and accident reports. The goal of an investigation is to outline what took place, who is responsible for your injuries, and the extent of your damages.
Settlement Negotiations With the Insurance Company
While most personal injury cases settle before going to trial, the dedicated attorneys at Lawrence & Associates are ready and willing to litigate if necessary. We know how to push back against delays and lowball offers and will not stop until you get the compensation required to rebuild your life.
Filing a Lawsuit and Pre-Trial Discovery
Filing a lawsuit typically takes one to four weeks, including drafting the complaint, gathering final documents, and submitting it to the court. Following this, the defendant has 20–30 days, depending on the jurisdiction, to respond. If service of process is slow, this stage can stretch to six to eight weeks.
Trial and Potential Appeals
As mentioned earlier, only a small percentage of personal injury cases go to trial. For those cases that do move to this stage, trials can last a few days to several weeks, and appeals may further extend the process. Our team of attorneys prepares every case as if it will go to trial, maximizing leverage during negotiations.
Factors That Affect How Long a Personal Injury Case Takes
Several issues can emerge during a personal injury claim, extending the overall process. We work hard to avoid these complexities or to navigate them smoothly when they do arise.
- Severity of Injuries – Cases involving severe or life-changing injuries can complicate matters by prolonging recovery and requiring more extensive, costly medical treatment.
- Disputes Over Liability – When insurers dispute liability, your attorney may need to take further action to prove fault and fight for a fair settlement.
- Insurance Company Tactics – Insurers often use various strategies to minimize payouts, including lowball offers, disputing liability, challenging pre-existing conditions, and requesting excessive documentation.
- Court Backlogs – Overloaded court dockets can push hearings, motions, and trial dates far into the future, sometimes delaying a case by a year or more.
- Multiple Defendants or Complex Evidence – When several parties are involved or evidence requires expert analysis, coordinating discovery and resolving disputes can significantly extend the timeline.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Speed up the Process
When you partner with a hardworking and skilled attorney, they can use strategies and aggressive negotiation to streamline the claims process. At Lawrence & Associates, we use local knowledge of Kentucky and Ohio courts to anticipate potential delays.
This keeps us prepared to combat any complications that may arise. Similarly, our proactive approach keeps clients informed and minimizes waiting time without sacrificing claim value. Learn more about who we are and how we can help with your case today.
Get Help Moving Your Personal Injury Case Forward
Our law firm is dedicated to pursuing fair, timely results for clients across Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and the surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been injured, do not wait—contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
