Potential clients often ask a lot of questions during the initial consultation. One that always gets asked in one way or another is how long it will take to get damages for their injuries. This is understandable because many want to put the trauma of a severe injury behind them. However, each case’s details are unique, so some will be relatively straightforward negotiations that take a few months and never make it to court. Others will be more complicated, taking a year or more because there is a dispute regarding the severity of damages.
Generally speaking, it is rarely a good idea to rush through a claim. It’s in the injured plaintiff’s best interests when their attorney carefully prepares the strongest possible case by gathering all the necessary information. It also takes time to get an accurate reading of the overall impact and damages caused by the negligent party. This includes injuries to the victim as well as the pain and suffering they endure because of the injuries.
Import things to remember
Beyond the details of the case, there are other common factors to remember:
- Court takes time: Court schedules are backed up during normal times, but even more so here in 2021.
- Defendants seldom rush: Defendants are seldom in a rush to pay damages unless they believe they can pay less in doing so. So it is generally best to be suspicious if they seem in a hurry to settle. They may also try to drag out the case in hopes of the plaintiff getting impatient.
- Attorneys must prepare: It is typically best to carefully prepare for court even when there will likely be a settlement.
- Appeals: The defendant or plaintiff may believe that the court did not consider all the facts at hand in its decision, so they may appeal the decision.
Getting the best possible settlement or decision
Since personal injury attorney work on contingency, which means a portion of the settlement, there is no out-of-pocket costs to the client if their lawyer determines that litigation is the best option. While they may draw upon their knowledge and experience to weigh the options, the attorney still works for the client, which means the client has the final say in pursuing the best strategy for resolving the case.
