Personal Injury -
How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take in Georgia?
Suffering a severe injury is often an expensive occurrence. The point of a personal injury case is usually to regain some of that lost money, but this is not an instant solution. Personal injury lawsuits are complicated and can be a lengthy endeavor.
While this may be so, do not let it dissuade you. It is better to understand the ins and outs of these proceedings and have a timeline of how long they can take. Most personal injury attorneys for injury claims in Georgia can help you with any questions you have, as they have extensive knowledge of these things.
In any legal situation, a lawyer is your best source of help and information. However, this guide can give you a better understanding of personal injury claims, and how long you can expect them to take, while you wait for your consultation.
Factors That Impact Your Personal Injury Claim Timeline
In truth, there is no set timeline to follow. Every personal injury case is different and will be impacted by various factors usually beyond anyone’s control. A slip and fall case and a car accident, for example, are two completely different claims under the same personal injury umbrella.
No matter what the circumstances, there are a few factors you can always expect. Personal injury cases follow a similar basic outline, so there are commonalities between them. These are the primary drivers behind how long you will be waiting for your case to settle.
Your Physical Recovery
Your health and well-being matter much more than any settlement, so your first concern after an injury is to recover. Depending on the severity, this may get in the way of a personal injury lawsuit. While you can file the suit before you are fully recovered, there are certain responsibilities involved that would be challenging while still injured.
It is also important to remember that the full extent of the damage may not be known immediately, and you may have medical expenses down the line related to the accident. Keeping track of your recovery, and the charges related to it, will help you and your personal injury attorney build out your case.
Just be certain, when it comes to recovery, that you file your claim before the statute of limitations is up. In the grand majority of claims, you have two years, but there are a lot of rules that change the limit. Once the claim is filed, you have plenty of time for whatever you need.
Disagreements on Settlement Value
In some cases, you may request an amount, and the other party will agree immediately. It could be as short as a couple of weeks. However, this is not always the course. If the person you are demanding compensation from or their insurance company disagrees with the settlement value, things become much more difficult.
This is an area where a lawyer can come the most in handy, as they are experienced with negotiation. They can give you a much clearer idea of how much you can expect from your claim and will work to get that amount from those responsible. Though the other party may fight back, never give up until you have thoroughly discussed the situation with a skilled attorney.
The Extent of Your Insurance Coverage
A factor you have some measure of control over is the extent covered by your insurance plan. With good insurance, much of your compensation may be covered without having to pursue damages against someone else at all.
If your insurance company refuses to pay the amount you feel they owe, a lawyer can help you. Your attorney can review the specifics of the coverage you should be eligible for, negotiating with the insurance company and guiding you through a lawsuit if needed.
Know What Your Claim Is Worth Before Settling
When going into a negotiation over the settlement amount, it is important that you know how much your claim is worth. You should have a solid idea of how much you need and how much you can viably demand. Without this, you can be easily cheated or shortchanged by those you are seeking compensation from.
You may have been badly hurt in a car accident, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Without a firm amount in mind, you may be convinced to settle for far less. You may also severely overvalue your claim and undermine your case. In either situation, you have sold yourself short. This is one of the reasons why talking to a personal injury law firm is such a vital step.
Can an Attorney Settle Your Claim Faster?
When dealing with a personal injury case, you can never go wrong with an attorney by your side. They have years of accumulated skill and experience to guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to your day in court.
While a lawyer cannot magically win your case in a few days, they are able to speed the process up simply by knowing what they are doing. Each step in the legal process will go that much faster with someone who has done it before, knows how to handle it, and can carry it out in the most optimal way.
They also may be able to suggest ways to make it by until you receive your settlement, if you are in need of money sooner. It is incredibly unwise to begin a personal injury lawsuit without at least consulting with an attorney first, and many of them offer this for free.
Reach Out to an Attorney for Guidance
If you have any questions regarding personal injury law or have a claim, reach out to a Georgia personal injury law firm as soon as you can. There is no need to face the legal system on your own, especially with the many confusing rules and statutes that come with it.
T. Madden and Associates, P.C. is a reputable law firm, serving Georgia for years with skill and dedication. We will be more than happy to consult with you on whatever questions you may have, so do not hesitate to reach out.
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