How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take in Los Angeles?

Personal injury lawsuits in Los Angeles each have their own unique timelines. The number of weeks, months or years a personal injury case will take to resolve depends on the circumstances. Timelines can vary from about six months to one year or longer. An experienced injury attorney in Los Angeles can give you an estimate of how long your specific lawsuit could take during a free case review.

Straightforward Settlement: Six Months to One Year

Most personal injury cases start as insurance claims, not lawsuits. Out-of-court settlements are typically desired because they are faster and cost less money than full personal injury trials. If an injury case is relatively straightforward, with only mild to moderate injuries and clear liability, expect it to take around six months. Achieving a settlement may take less or more time than this, but half a year is the average.

Personal Injury Trial in Los Angeles County: One Year or Longer

There are many situations in which a settlement cannot be reached on a Los Angeles personal injury claim for various reasons. If this is the case, the injury claim may have to go to trial and require the filing of a lawsuit. Personal injury trials take longer than settlements; often, over a year. Especially complex cases may take two years, three years or longer.

Factors that often lead to longer case timelines include:

• Severe or catastrophic injuries
• Permanent disability and long-term costs
• A high-value personal injury claim
• A lack of insurance coverage 
• Multiple liable parties
• Comparative negligence
• Liability disputes
• An insurance company that refuses to cooperate
• Insurance bad faith
• Appeals of denied claims

The length of time a personal injury lawsuit will take from start to finish in Los Angeles can depend on the gravity of the victim’s injuries, how long it takes him or her to reach the point of maximum medical improvement, the cooperation of the insurance company, and the availability of a Los Angeles County courthouse.

Don’t Rush Into a Low Settlement – Wait to Speak to an Attorney

While it may be tempting to accept the very first settlement offer sent to you by an insurance company, it is critical not to sign anything until you’ve spoken with a lawyer – especially if your claim involves serious or catastrophic injuries. 

Initial settlement values are often low in the hope that the claimant will not negotiate out of a desire to resolve the claim as quickly as possible. Don’t fall for this tactic. Before you say yes, contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

You Have a Time Limit to File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit in Los Angeles

It is critical to initiate your personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles before the expiration of your statute of limitations. California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 gives most personal injury claimants two years to file. A case brought against a government agency, however, must be initiated within just six months. Act quickly to avoid missing your deadline and losing your right to recover financial compensation in LA.

How to Have a More Efficient Claim 

Personal injury lawyers provide advocacy and legal representation to individuals who have been injured by negligence in Los Angeles. Hiring the right attorney can come with numerous benefits, including increased odds of a maximum settlement. An experienced lawyer will also improve the overall efficiency of your claim.

A lawyer will search for ways to expedite your case as much as possible without compromising its results. An attorney can take over confusing claims paperwork for you and file before California’s deadline, for example. The resources and team of attorneys available at a law firm can help you get the results you need faster.