If you’re considering the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit, you probably want to know more about the process and its potential impact on your life. The aftermath of a serious injury or the loss of a loved one is undeniably challenging, involving physical recovery, emotional distress, dealing with insurance companies, and large bills with no easy way to pay them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. Milam Law specializes in personal injury cases so you can ease the burden on yourself and focus on healing. Now, let’s delve into the details of how long a personal injury lawsuit could take in Georgia.
How long could a personal injury lawsuit take in Georgia?
While the duration of each case varies, most personal injury lawsuits in Georgia are typically resolved within 6 to 18 months after retaining counsel. The timeline hinges on the length of medical treatment and the complexity of the legal matters involved.
When you hire a skilled Georgia personal injury attorney, the heavy lifting falls on their shoulders. Your lawyer will act as a buffer between you and the insurance companies, provide a clear explanation of each step in the process, conduct necessary investigations, and handle the legal aspects of your case. This legal support gives you the space you need to recover from the incident.
Factors that can affect the length of the suit
Now, let’s explore some key factors that may influence the timeline of your personal injury lawsuit:
Differing opinions on settlement value: Discrepancies in assessing the case’s value between the claimant and the defendant’s insurance company can prolong the process.
To ascertain a fair settlement, it is essential to provide your personal injury attorney with a comprehensive and transparent explanation of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. This includes detailed information on injuries:
- Paralysis
- Brain injury
- Burns
- Neck injury
- Head injury
- Spine injury
- Back injury
- Child injuries
- Scars requiring plastic surgery
- Fractured bones
Also, explain to your attorney how these injuries have affected your life:
- Personal care
- Your work
- Relationship with spouse and family
- Social activities with friends
- Hobbies and fun activities
- Overall health and ability to exercise or engage in physical activity
- Sleep habits
- Depression/anxiety
Any personal injury case must be supported by medical diagnosis and supporting treatment for injuries you have suffered. Typically, before considering a settlement offer, it is necessary to reach maximum medical improvement and have clear diagnoses and prognosis from your treating providers. This is especially true for severe conditions mentioned above. These medical assessments along with the impact the injuries have had on your life form the basis for calculating appropriate compensation.
Legal defenses: The defendant’s insurance company may raise certain legal defenses, such as liability or contributing negligence by you in causing the collision. Another example is whether you have any pre-exiting conditions, or prior injuries to the same area of your body injured in the collision. These issues must be dealt with and sometimes require the use of experts in a particular area that is in dispute in support of your case. These issues can certainly affect the value of your claim and can often lead to extensive litigation battles.
How do most personal injury lawsuits in Georgia conclude?
It’s important to note that most personal injury cases in Georgia are settled outside of court, with approximately 95% of them reaching resolution before trial. The timing of settlements can vary, and it largely depends on the strength of your case, which will be assessed through information exchanged between your attorney and the opposing party. However, with the correct pre-preparation in place, the outcome of the case is generally evident before the trial begins.
Your attorney will handle communication with insurance companies and defense attorneys, and when necessary, they will prepare you for testimony during formal proceedings, such as depositions or trial testimonies.
How do I get started?
It’s not easy recovering from an injury and wading into a lawsuit at the same time, but don’t let that intimidate you. Philip Milam is ready to help you get the financial compensation you need to fully recover from your personal injury. With decades of experience in handling personal injury lawsuits, Philip is well-equipped to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.