Here Is Why Some Personal Injury Cases Take Years To Resolve
After suffering injuries in an accident because of another party’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party and recover financial compensation. One of the most common questions personal injury victims ask is,” how long does it take to resolve a personal injury case?” Every personal injury case is different. Some personal injury cases take weeks, others take months, and some take years to resolve. There are several things that could result in a personal injury case taking years to resolve. This article discusses some of the reasons a personal injury case can take years to resolve.
Reason #1: Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement Can Take Time
Reaching MMI or maximum medical improvement does not necessarily mean that you are fully healed. Maximum medical improvement is when an injury has stabilized, and there is little to no chance of the victim’s condition improving with or without additional medical treatment. It is important to wait until you reach MMI before settling your personal injury claim. This is because it is only after you reach MMI that you can fully understand the full extent of your injuries and, thus, the true value of your medical expenses and other damages. Depending on the severity of your injury, it can take months or even years for you to reach MMI. This may result in your personal injury case taking long to resolve.
Reason #2: Legal Problems
Sometimes, legal problems arise that slow down the personal injury claims process. For example, disputes may arise over who is liable for your injuries and damages. In a case where the defendant disputes liability, it could take time to establish liability, thus resolve the case. If the defendant disputes liability, you may need to file a lawsuit and possibly go to trial. A trial could add time to your case.
Reason #3: Trial Preparations
If your case goes to trial, the time it takes to prepare for trial can slow down the process. Preparing for trial entails many activities, such as taking depositions, exchanging interrogatories, requesting documents, and gathering evidence. All these are things that can take time.
Reason #4: Waiting for a Trial date
Court calendars can be busy. Once you decide to go to trial, you have to wait until there is an opening in the court’s trial calendar. Getting a trial date might take weeks, months, or even longer. Waiting too long to get a trial date can result in your personal injury case taking years to resolve.
Reason #5: Appeals
Personal injury trial verdicts are not set in stone. The defendant or plaintiff can appeal a trial verdict if they have legitimate grounds for appealing. Examples of legitimate grounds for appealing a personal injury trial verdict include;
- Biasness from court members
- The final verdict was unlawful. For instance, through jury misconduct or falsified evidence
- The judges rejected crucial evidence necessary to make the case
Contact Our Miami Personal Injury Attorneys
Our Miami personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm can help you resolve your personal injury case within a reasonable amount of time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.