How Long Does It Take To Settle a Personal Injury Claim
There’s no standard answer for how long a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania may take. Some cases settle in a matter of months, while others may take a year or longer to resolve, especially if the case involves significant litigation. The timeline for any claim depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and the strength of the available evidence.
At Jameson Stone Law, we understand how delays can put financial pressure on injured individuals and their families. Our injury team may evaluate your legal options, communicate with insurers, and pursue a resolution that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Call 717-775-6749 to schedule your free consultation today. We proudly serve clients throughout Harrisburg, Cumberland County, Dauphin County, and the surrounding Central Pennsylvania region.
What Can Impact the Timeline of a Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury cases vary considerably, but many are influenced by similar factors. You may be wondering, “How long does it usually take to settle a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania?”
These are some of the more significant deciding factors:
- Medical treatment duration: Your recovery needs to be well-documented if you want to secure fair compensation later. Don’t settle too early if you can. You may not know the full extent of your injuries until your doctor says you have recovered or reached maximal recovery.
- Disputed liability: If the other party denies fault, this can significantly stall settlement negotiations. You may have your attorney take the matter to court to compel the at-fault party to pay for the harm they caused you.
- Evidence gathering: Accident reports, witness statements, lab work, and expert evaluations can all take time to compile. If you experience delays in evidence-gathering, this could prolong your settlement process.
- Insurance delays: One of the first large payments you receive could be from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Even when the case continues to court, so you can claim the full range of damages you are entitled to, collecting your initial insurance claim can delay action in court.
- Litigation: If the at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement or is underinsured, you have the right to pursue compensation through the courts.
How Long Do Most Claims Take?
A straightforward claim where liability is clear may potentially be settled in three to six months. Other cases can take several months. Complicated cases that involve disputes over liability or very large settlement amounts could take well over a year or two to resolve.
If a case goes to court, that can significantly add to the timeline for a settlement. Working with a lawyer can reduce the chances that you experience preventable setbacks.
Contact Jameson Stone Law Today
Following a personal injury, you are likely facing serious and immediate financial concerns. At Jameson Stone Law, we understand what you are going through because we’ve helped clients navigate their personal injury cases with favorable outcomes.
We can review your case and explain your options. While we cannot control all the factors that determine how long a claim takes, we can work to secure compensation in as timely a fashion as possible.
Call 717-775-6749 or contact Jameson Stone Law online to schedule your free consultation.