Your future financial well-being after a personal injury often hinges on your ability to recover full and fair compensation from the at-fault party. Understandably, accident victims want their cases resolved quickly. However, because the Minnesota personal injury lawsuit timeline is highly variable, patience is often key.
If you were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, Sieben Polk P.A. can provide an estimate of how long it will take to resolve your claim based on its unique factors. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients and are ready to guide you through each step of the process. Fill out our online contact form or call (651) 437-3148 to schedule your free consultation.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
Personal injury lawsuits usually resolve in a few months. However, this varies based on many factors. The most complex or contested cases can take over a year.
Ultimately, there is no single answer to how long a personal injury case takes. Your case’s timeline will depend entirely on case-specific factors. In all cases, it is important not to rush the process. An early settlement is not always a good one. Settling too quickly can leave significant amounts of money on the table.
Factors That Can Affect the Duration of Your Personal Injury Claim
The following are just a few of the many factors that can influence how long your personal injury lawsuit will take to resolve:
- Injury severity, including whether you’ve suffered any long-term or permanent disabilities
- Unclear liability or multiple parties involved, leading to a more complex case
- Availability, strength, and clarity of evidence
- Delayed negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company
- The need for expert testimony or additional evidence
- Court scheduling and availability of judges
- The defendant’s willingness to settle fairly
- Your attorney’s experience handling similar cases
Minnesota Personal Injury Lawsuit Timeline
There is no set timeline for personal injury lawsuits in Minnesota, but most go through similar steps. Each factors into how long a personal injury case takes to settle:
- Consultation – The first step is to meet with an experienced Eagan personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. This will ideally take place within days after the accident.
- Investigation – Your attorney will gather evidence to demonstrate the at-fault party’s liability and your resulting damages. This process can take several weeks to months, depending on the amount of evidence needed and the cooperation of those involved.
- Demand Letter – After gathering evidence, your attorney may send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining the basis for the claim and requesting a fair settlement. The insurance company normally responds within a few weeks after conducting an investigation of its own.
- Negotiations – Settlement talks begin once the insurance company responds with an offer. It can take several weeks or months to reach a settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit – If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney may advise proceeding with a lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed before the Minnesota statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of the accident.
- Discovery – This is the process of exchanging evidence and information with the at-fault party. Discovery often takes several months.
- Trial – If the case does not settle, we will discuss with you the pros and cons of taking it to trial. Courts often have backlogs that can delay trials. However, the wait may be worthwhile, as the amount you might receive in court may be significantly higher than what you could secure through an insurance settlement.
Talk to a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The best way to find out how long your personal injury lawsuit might take is to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our legal team at Sieben Polk P.A. can evaluate the specific factors involved in your case and give you an estimate of the timeline. Reach out online or call (651) 437-3148 to get started with a free consultation.
