How long does personal injury settlements take?

Dear Anonymous,   This is an excellent question, to which there is no correct answer.  Really, it depends on a lot of factors.  In fact, no case should be settled until you have concluded treatment, and your doctor has determined that you are quiescent.  That is medical speak which simply means your injuries have healed as good as they are going to heal.  Sometimes, injured people can make a 100% recovery after an accident.  Other times, injuries may lead to permanent impairment or disability.   Factors that can delay a settlement include whether there is insurance available to pay for your injuries.  Is there enough insurance to make you whole.  Other things that can delay settlement are issues of liability.  You may have sustained serious injuries, but if the other side believes you were at fault, then they may not be willing to pay for all, or even some, of the damages you are claiming.  In cases where a settlement cannot be reached fairly quickly, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit in State or Federal Court. Filing suit can delay the settlement process while both sides conduct "discovery."  This is the process by which both sides collect and exchange evidence with each other, in the form of interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions of the parties and witnesses. At a minimum, you should never settle your personal injury case without consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. Most lawyers will gladly give you a free evaluation of your case and an estimate of what your case might be worth.    Chip