Losing a loved one is never easy, and matters can feel even more daunting when their death was caused by the intentional or negligent actions of someone else. Unfortunately, nothing can turn back time and prevent your loved one from being taken from you. However, a Mississippi wrongful death action allows the survivors of the deceased to seek compensation from those responsible for their death.
While a wrongful death action can provide a valuable avenue for recovery, note that the timeline for obtaining compensation will not be immediate. So, how long does a wrongful death lawsuit take? Continue reading to learn more about wrongful death lawsuits in Mississippi and the factors that affect the overall length of the process. Then, speak with a Mississippi wrongful death attorney at Harris Law Firm to discuss your case and see what options you have to protect and pursue your legal rights moving forward.
How Long to Settle a Wrongful Death Suit: An Overview
Before proceeding with a Mississippi wrongful death lawsuit, it’s important to have a general idea of how the process works and how long it takes. Below are some things to keep in mind so you have a better idea of what you can expect.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take from Start to Finish?
The duration of a wrongful death lawsuit in Mississippi can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. Thus, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
That said, it’s not uncommon for a wrongful death lawsuit to take 2-3 years to reach a conclusion. But of course, some cases are resolved in less time depending on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
Steps in the Wrongful Death Lawsuit Process
A Mississippi wrongful death lawsuit generally requires the following steps:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of your loved one’s death;
- Identification of the party or parties who may be legally liable;
- Gathering and compiling evidence to help support your claims;
- Filing the wrongful death lawsuit in court and serving the paperwork on the opposing party;
- Discovery, where the parties request and exchange information and potential evidence relevant to the claims;
- Negotiations and pre-trial settlement (if possible);
- Trial, where a mutually-agreement settlement cannot be reached; and
- Appeals (if applicable).
Note, however, that the precise steps can vary from case to case. If you have questions about the wrongful death lawsuit process, contact Harris Law Firm today to discuss your case with an experienced Mississippi wrongful death attorney with our office.
Factors That Can Impact the Length of a Wrongful Death Suit
The length of a wrongful death lawsuit can range from months to years. Some factors that can influence the overall length of the process include:
- The complexity of the case;
- The number of parties involved in the incident that resulted in your loved one’s death;
- Whether the case ends in a pre-trial settlement or is litigated to conclusion;
- The availability, extent, and strength of any evidence that can be used to help support your claims;
- Whether the opposing party or parties are covered by applicable liability insurance coverage;
- The extent of any legal challenges and motions filed by the parties throughout the proceedings; and
- Whether either party pursues an appeal at the conclusion of any trial.
At times, navigating a wrongful death lawsuit can feel unbearably slow. Nevertheless, take heart and know that this is not unusual. While the proceedings can certainly be lengthy, sometimes, pursuing this process is what must be done to get the compensation you need and deserve in the aftermath of your loved one’s passing.
Speak with a Mississippi Wrongful Death Attorney Today
When you’re ready to fight for your rights following your loved one’s death, Harris Law Firm is here to provide you with the representation you need. Since 1981, we have represented countless personal injury clients throughout Mississippi, and we hope you will trust us with your case, too.
We know that no amount of money can allow you to recover from the loss you’ve suffered. But our goal is to do whatever we can to help you through this difficult time and get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact our team to schedule your free case review and begin the pathway to recovery today.
FAQs
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take to Settle?
A wrongful death lawsuit can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. That said, no two cases are the same. Thus, the amount of time any given wrongful death lawsuit takes to resolve will ultimately depend on the underlying facts and circumstances of the case.
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid After a Wrongful Death Settlement?
Even after a lawsuit is settled, in many cases, the settlement funds owed will not be available immediately. Sometimes, it can take multiple weeks to receive settlement funds, and in other cases, it may take longer. However, this can also vary depending on the terms of the settlement agreed to between the parties.
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