Anyone who has ever been hurt in a serious accident knows how quickly bills and other financial obligations can start piling up after the dust settles, as well as how impactful personal and psychological losses from a severe injury can be. Needless to say, it is understandable to have concerns about how long it will take to get paid for your losses if you file a lawsuit against the person or people responsible.
On average, a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to settle out of court. It may stretch out to two years or longer if the case proceeds to a civil courtroom. However, various factors can affect how long your unique case may take to resolve, all of which an experienced injury lawyer at OnderLaw can explain in more detail during a private consultation.
Basic Steps in the Personal Injury Litigation Process
When it comes to understanding how long a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri can take, it can be helpful to understand exactly what goes into filing this kind of lawsuit. First and foremost, your dedicated personal injury attorney will need to construct a strong and comprehensive case, which will entail:
- Finding and preserving important evidence;
- Identifying specific damages you need to be reimbursed for; and
- Estimating the value of future losses you will likely experience from your injuries in the years to come.
Typically, there will also be a prolonged series of settlement negotiations before you file a lawsuit over your injury—in fact, this is how the vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are resolved in Missouri and elsewhere in the United States. However, when the parties involved in a claim cannot agree on a settlement, the next step is a process called “discovery.” Essentially, this entails both sides examining the evidence that the other party intends to present during court proceedings.
Finally, the trial itself will typically take place over several weeks and involve numerous hearings both in front of the judge and outside the courtroom. At any time prior to the court issuing a final verdict though, the involved parties can still agree to a settlement and end the proceedings.
What Factors Can Influence the Length of a Claim?
Depending on how severe your injuries are and their impact on your life, each of the stages mentioned above could be completed in a few weeks or require several months of intensive work. It is also worth noting that cases with multiple defendants—in other words, numerous people being sued for their role in causing a personal injury—tend to take longer than cases against just one defendant.
Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons why personal injury lawsuits in Missouri take longer than they should is because of stubbornness by a defendant in accepting liability for their actions or outright refusal to acknowledge fault at all.
Resolve Your Suit Quickly & Efficiently With Our Reliable Attorneys
Having a knowledgeable and committed personal injury lawyer on your side can make a huge difference not just in your chances of securing a favorable result from your claim but also in getting that result as quickly and efficiently as possible. Call OnderLaw today to get the dedicated legal representation you deserve.
