Factors that Affect the Timing of Personal Injury Claims
Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida
You were injured at the fault of someone else. Now, you are facing a loss of wages and expensive medical bills. One of the first questions you may have is “who is responsible for those costs?” If you are eligible for a personal injury claim, your next question will likely be “how long will it take to receive compensation?”
It is understandable to question the timeline of a personal injury case. Bill collectors and debtors do not usually agree to hold off on billing you, after all.
Factors that Can Affect your Coconut Creek Timeline
Unfortunately, there is no set time period for how long it takes to file, win, or collect compensation in a personal injury case. There are too many factors that can affect the timeline.
Type of Case
Some personal injury cases are considered standard whereas others are more complicated. For example, if you were injured in a car accident and the other driver was clearly at fault, the timeline may be faster. A case that involves medical malpractice usually requires more litigation and can take much longer.
Parties Involved in the Case
The parties involved in the case can also affect the timeline. A multiple car pileup that includes numerous vehicles will be more complex and involve multiple claims, insurance companies, and personal injury attorneys. Additionally, some insurance companies may take longer to process a case.
Amount of Damages
The amount of damages involved in a case can also affect the timeline. Some personal injury cases include injuries that are acute and heal quickly. Others, however, can be lifelong and require a much larger payout. In this case, it is not uncommon for each party to go back and forth in an attempt to agree on a settlement amount.
The following damages may be available in a personal injury case:
- Property damages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitative costs
- Insurance copays
- Emergency medical costs
- Loss of income and work benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Some of these costs, like diminished earning capacity and pain and suffering can be more complicated and may extend the claims timeline.
Level of Cooperation
Personal injury cases involve multiple parties. A delay in response from any of these parties can prolong the personal injury process. Some insurance companies can take weeks to respond or to issue payments. The defense can take longer to submit required documents. Even the personal injury victim can take a long period of time to submit necessary information to their attorney.
Additionally, whether or not a settlement is agreed upon will also make a difference. A settlement offer can reduce the amount of time spent in court for everyone involved, as well as the amount of legal costs. However, agreement of a settlement offer is not always possible.
How to Speed Up Your Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Process
Some factors are out of your control. There are some things you can do, however, to speed up the process on your end. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make a difference in how fast your case is filed. You can also submit your information to your attorney as soon as possible and then remain in close communication with them. Your lawyer will advise you on the expected timeline of your case based on the listed factors.
Contact a Weston Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a personal injury in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor White & Murphey represent clients injured because of a personal injury in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.