How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?

When an injured victim weighs whether it is worth it to file a personal injury lawsuit, they always wonder how long it takes to get a verdict. Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to the question, as several factors can affect the length of a lawsuit.

A personal injury lawsuit can take a few months and up to a few years to obtain a settlement or verdict. 

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

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Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

During the litigation, there are several opportunities to settle, which is why some injured victims obtain compensation after a few months while others take years to find a solution.

Consider hiring a trusted St. Louis personal injury attorney for legal guidance and support while pursuing compensation.

Critical Steps In a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Step 1: Filing the Case

A personal injury lawsuit officially begins after filing a complaint with the proper court and paying relevant fees. You’ll also need to serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint and summons.

Before a personal injury attorney agrees to represent you, they must establish the relevant statute of limitations. 

The Missouri statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years.

Step 2: Discovery Process

Discovery is a pre-trial process where parties exchange information regarding the lawsuit. The court allows both parties to share evidence, including security footage, correspondences, and medical records.

The discovery process also includes the deposition, an opportunity for both parties to question each other and the available witnesses.

Step 3: Court Motions

Your personal injury attorney and the defendant may file pre-trial motions. A pre-trial motion requests a court to rule on specific issues, including the venue, case documents, and requested damages.

Some pre-trial motions take longer to hear and could drag on until the trial.

Step 4: Settlement Negotiations

A substantial number of personal injury lawsuits settle before a full trial. Your attorney will attempt negotiations as soon as the discovery stage. 

Although an attorney may not always inform you about settlement negotiations, they must notify you before accepting or rejecting any proposal.

A settlement may be discussed over a phone conversation between the two attorneys or through formal mediation or arbitration.

Step 5: Proceed to Trial

The case will proceed to trial if you don’t settle with the at-fault party. During the trial, the judge or jury examines the evidence and decides if the at-fault party will pay for the damages.

Factors That Impact The Length of a Lawsuit

You can obtain a quick settlement or delayed verdict based on the following factors:

• Severity of injuries
• The period of recovery
• The amount of compensation
• The caseload in your jurisdiction
• The defendant’s willingness to settle

Get Legal Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

An injury will likely worsen your finances and ability to undertake everyday activities. Your recovery efforts may stall if there’s a delay in obtaining a verdict. You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced attorney who can expedite the process.

Consider hiring a professional from Burger Law to enhance your chances of a fair outcome.

Contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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