When the unexpected strikes, and you find yourself grappling with a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey, it’s helpful to understand the legal timeframe so you can prepare for the journey ahead. Answering the question, “How long does a lawsuit take?” isn’t always straightforward. Several variables impact the duration from filing your claim to receiving the compensation you deserve.
What Variables Affect the Timeline?
Your personal injury case is defined by the gravity of your injuries, the breadth of your financial losses, the parties at fault, and the overall strength of your legal case. These factors weave into the timeline, influencing each stage of the legal process.
Obtaining an Early Settlement
An early settlement is the quickest resolution, potentially closing your case within several months to a year. If liability is unambiguous and your damages are clearly documented, your attorney may negotiate with the insurance company for a comprehensive settlement that contemplates your physical, emotional and financial damages. However, this is often contingent on clearly defined liability and a straightforward claim, without the complexities of ongoing medical care or contested fault.
Undergoing Mediation
If your injuries are more severe or treatment is ongoing, the settlement process may extend significantly. The need for a thorough investigation through open discovery can significantly stall negotiations. When multiple liable parties are involved, reaching a settlement becomes more intricate. An experienced attorney can streamline the process and gather relevant evidence in preparation for trial or mediation. Mediation can streamline this process, yet it can also span several months to a year or more as a neutral third-party guides both sides toward a fair resolution.
Deciding to File a Lawsuit
When settlement talks stall, litigation is the next step on your path to financial compensation. New Jersey law mandates filing personal injury lawsuits within two years of the incident. However, initiating a lawsuit doesn’t preclude ongoing negotiations; in fact, it can serve as a catalyst for settlement. Having experience counsel with the knowledge and resources to take your case from he discovery phase to trial can often aid you in obtaining a successful recovery expeditiously.
Taking Your Case to Trial
When settlement negotiations fail, the court requires a case to proceed to trial. Trials themselves may be relatively brief, but the lead-up is anything but. Depending on case complexity and courtroom schedules, the pre-trial process can take one to two years from the initial filing to the first day in court. This phase includes discovery, where evidence is exchanged, witnesses are deposed, and the case’s foundation is built.
Moon & Associates Can Guide You through the Complex Legal Process
With nearly 25 years of experience, Moon & Associates is a legal ally you can trust. Hiring a skilled personal injury attorney can make a considerable difference in the settlement that you receive. Our team’s hands-on, personable style means your case will receive the individualized attention that it deserves throughout the duration of the suit. It is critical to understand how insurance companies work and how insurance adjusters evaluate claims to receive fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries. As insurance insiders, we are familiar with the game and its players. Let our experience work for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at our office in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.