When someone suffers a personal injury, whether it is from a car crash, slip and fall, or some other accident, they often face physical, emotional, and legal challenges. When pursuing legal action for compensation one of the most common questions is “How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?” A skilled New York injury lawyer can offer assistance and insight during your case. Reach out to an experienced attorney today.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Case?
Most civil and criminal cases have what is known as a statute of limitations. In terms of a personal injury case, the statute dictates the amount of time that the victim has to begin taking legal action against the negligent or liable party.
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years. You have three years from the date of the accident or the date you discovered your injury to begin filing a lawsuit. If you fail to do so you essentially forfeit your right to pursue legal action and compensation.
How Long Will It Take for My Case to Get Resolved?
Personal injury cases typically take anywhere from a few short months to multiple years. Every situation is unique so there is no telling how long it will take to settle your case. The length of time it takes is affected by various factors.
The factors that can influence the time it takes to resolve your personal injury case can include:
- Medical treatment: The extent of your injuries and required treatment can significantly impact the time it will take to settle your case. The more severe your injury the longer it will take to recover, the more medical bills you will receive, and the longer it will take to assess the full extent of the damages done and compensation required.
- Insurance: Negotiations with insurance companies can be time-consuming. If there is a disagreement regarding liability or the value of your claim the insurance provider may refuse to offer a suitable settlement.
- Trial: Scheduling a court date can affect how long it takes to resolve the case because there is no telling the availability of the court. It could take months or even up to a year to schedule a trial date.
The above and more can all have a serious impact on the length of time that it takes to resolve your personal injury case. Shorter cases with straightforward liability and evidence can be over within as little as two to three months. More complex cases that involve serious injuries, multiple parties, or significant legal disputes can take as long as 3 to 4 years. On average New York personal injury cases are resolved within 1 to 2 years of filing.
Contact a knowledgeable attorney today for more information and to discuss the details of your case. Your legal team can help you estimate the length of time it will take to resolve your suit.
