Why is My Personal Injury Case Taking So Long to Settle, and What Can I Do to Speed Up the Process?
No two personal injury cases are alike and neither is the length of time required for them to reach a settlement.
You may wonder, ‘Why is my lawyer taking so long to settle my case?’
The team may take longer when multiple parties, conflicting accounts, or extensive damage are involved to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine a fair settlement.
However, they can also be settled quickly as long as you are willing to accept less money.
If you are facing steep medical bills or the prospect of a lengthy rehabilitation period, a quick settlement might not be in your best interest since it likely will not cover these mounting expenses.
Why Do Some Personal Injury Cases Take So Long to Settle and How Can You Ensure a Faster Resolution?
Cases are as unique as the individuals involved, but there are generally three primary reasons why your personal injury settlement might be taking so long.
- Legal or factual issues with the case
- A large sum of money is at stake
- You did not reach a point of maximum medical improvement
If your case involves any of these circumstances, you might need to prepare yourself for a longer process. That said, if you have the patience to stay with it, you stand a better chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Common Problems That Cause Personal Injury Settlements to Take So Long and Delay Compensation
This refers to issues with determining liability and damages. If you are having a difficult time proving whether or not the defendant was liable for your injuries, the insurance company will not offer you a reasonable settlement since they are unlikely to believe you have a legal right to it.
Additionally, if your physician cannot definitely link your injuries to the accident, this can also hurt your case.
When Big Money is at Stake, Why Do Personal Injury Settlements Take Longer?
Insurance companies either want to eliminate compensation or pay as little as possible, so when they are faced with a case that will likely yield a large sum of money in compensation, they will do whatever it takes to prolong the case to poke holes in your personal injury claim.
Only when they have exhausted all of their options and cannot attack your credibility will they begin to consider making a reasonable offer. Some insurance companies might also use this as a tactic since severely injured victims might not be willing or able to wait too long for compensation.
How Maximum Medical Improvement Affects Personal Injury Settlement Timelines
Lastly, one of the key reasons why your personal injury case is taking so long to settle could be because you are still in treatment for your injuries. The reason why it is best for accident victims to reach a point of maximum medical improvement is that it is difficult to assess the value of a case without knowing if or when you might fully recover.
Waiting will result in a more accurate valuation of your case and result in a better possibility of you obtaining the just compensation you deserve.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at Harris Law Firm, PLLC, in Greenville to Resolve Long-Standing Settlements
If you or someone you love was injured due to the negligence of another, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, our Greenville personal injury attorneys have served as steadfast allies and advocates of injury victims for over 30 years. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
Get started on your case and contact us today at 877-714-4171 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.