What Is the Timeline of a Personal Injury Case?

If you or a loved one sustained an accidental injury, you need to understand the timeline of the personal injury case process. Contacting an experienced attorney at Lowenthal & Abrams, PC for guidance will help you manage expectations and avoid settling prematurely.

In Pennsylvania, the process can span two years or longer to resolve, depending on the extent of your injuries and several other factors. Here we explain the step-by-step process of a typical personal injury case.

Step 1: Treatment and Investigation

During this initial phase of the personal injury case process, our lawyers investigate the accident and gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs. We also monitor your medical treatment and ensure you get the care you deserve. This phase of the journey varies but typically lasts for about six months.

The key here is that you need to recover from your injuries and reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before filing your claim. MMI occurs when your injury has stabilized, and there is nothing more the doctors can do to significantly improve it.

Step 2: Filing a Lawsuit

If settlement talks with the at-fault party’s insurance company fail, our attorneys will then file a formal complaint. Because Pennsylvania generally requires personal injury actions to be filed within two years under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524, it is important to begin the legal process promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation. This step officially starts your personal injury lawsuit’s discovery phase and initiates litigation. Now, both you and the other party will exchange evidence, give sworn depositions, and request essential documents. This phase can take from six months to more than a year, particularly in complex cases.

Step 3: Mediation and Pre-Trial

Before going to trial, many judges may order you and the other party to attempt mediation. This can be helpful because settling out of court helps us avoid crowded court lists and may expedite the process. The process of mediation can take up to three months, and most personal injury cases settle at this stage without a trial.

Step 4: Trial and Verdict

If the defense refuses to offer you a fair settlement, our attorneys will take your case to trial. In this phase of the personal injury case timeline, both sides present their arguments and evidence. While the trial usually lasts a few days, scheduling a time to go before a judge and jury may take months, if not years.

Contact Us If You Have Questions About the Timeline of Your Personal Injury Case Process

The timeline of the personal injury case process often takes several months to years, requiring a strategic legal approach to secure full compensation. Rushing settlements can lead to inadequate compensation for your long-term needs, making a thorough, evidence-based approach essential for recovery.

Our lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams PC have advocated for injury victims like you since 1975. We are ready to help you if you sustained harm due to someone’s negligence. Schedule your free consultation today, and we can discuss what happened, review your recovery timeline, and determine the appropriate legal steps for your unique case.