A few years ago, an insurance-related message board was discussing the length of a personal injury case. One user simply responded, “This is a question you should be asking your attorney.”
And they have a point, as experienced lawyers will have much more insight into the amount of time your case will take.
If you’ve been injured due to negligence, you’re likely wondering about timing. We agree that this is undoubtedly a question best answered by your attorney. Experienced Colorado personal injury lawyers offer the clearest insight. While every case is unique, most personal injury claims generally take one to three years from start to finish.
The 4 Key Personal Injury Case Steps
The duration of your claim depends on how long each of these phases takes:
1. Medical Treatment & Evidence Gathering: This is often the longest phase. Your case cannot be accurately valued until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We use this time to gather crucial evidence, including final medical reports, bills, photos, and witness statements.
2. Demand and Negotiation: After treatment, your attorney prepares a Settlement Demand Package for the insurance company. Most cases resolve through successful negotiation or mediation during this phase, avoiding a trial.
3. Formal Lawsuit Filing (If Needed): If the insurer refuses a fair offer, and only with your approval, we file a formal lawsuit. This initiates the litigation process.
4. Discovery, Mediation, and Trial Prep: Litigation involves pre-trial discovery (information exchange) and mandatory mediation. Trial is rare, but if required, it adds several months to a year for preparation and scheduling a court date.
We Can Help
At Law One, we want to work with you to ensure that your case is resolved in a timely fashion. Personal injury cases can be stressful for all parties involved, but our attorneys will collaborate with you on each step of the process.
Call our Denver personal injury law firm at (303) 831-8313 for a free consultation to discuss your specific timeline and compensation potential.
