If you have been involved in an accident and someone else was to blame, it’s only natural you would want to seek recompense for your injuries, medical expenses, emotional trauma, and loss of earnings. In theory, if the case is clear and the other party has admitted liability, a settlement won’t take very long at all but, more often than not, personal injury cases take ages to settle. Read on to find out why.
Your Lawyer Isn’t Doing a Great Job
Many law firms specialize in personal injury claims. For these guys, such claims are their bread and butter, so they know the drill and work hard to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. Sometimes delays might not be their fault but, if you go with an inexperienced lawyer or one that doesn’t specialize in personal injury cases, it could take forever before you receive any money. And if it all goes wrong, you might walk away with nothing at all.
Paperwork Is Delayed
There is usually a lot of paperwork involved in a personal injury case. Medical records will be needed to prove you sustained the injuries you claim to have suffered, as well as copies of police reports, witness statements, and more. If your law firm uses a medical records retrieval service and there are no delays securing other paperwork, the case should run smoothly but, unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
You Have Serious Injuries
The more serious and/or complex your injuries, the longer it will take to receive a settlement. When a claimant is badly injured, extra medical reports will be needed so the court can decide how much compensation is awarded. Sometimes, injuries are such that the victim suffers life-changing injuries and needs long-term care. Therefore, any compensation awarded must cover their future costs as well as their current costs. This all takes time to sort out, so don’t expect a case of this nature to be settled quickly.
Liability Isn’t Clear-Cut
Some cases are clear-cut. For example, if another driver ran a red light and T-boned you at a junction, it is likely to be 100% their fault. But if both of you were driving erratically and a driver ran into the back of you, it could be more like 50:50.
Where there is a dispute as to who is liable, a case can drag on for ages. More evidence will be requested and the case may end up in court for a judge to decide. Be aware that if any party denies wrongdoing, you may have to wait for a long time for a resolution to your claim.
The Other Party is Obstructing the Case
Sadly, some defendants and/or their insurance companies go out of their way to be obstructive. They might delay sending back crucial paperwork or continually ask for adjournments if the case has gone to court. It’s not ethical, but it can and does happen. A good solicitor will have your back if delays are spurious.
Try not to let delays stress you out. Justice will be served eventually.
