How Long Before I Receive Compensation for My Injuries?

As Ohio personal injury lawyers, we know that our clients’ number one priority is receiving fair compensation for their injuries.  While fair compensation is first and foremost, we also know that our clients desire a speedy resolution of their claims.  That is why, when clients come to us for help, we do everything in our power to facilitate a speedy resolution.  But we also prepare our clients with the one almost universal truth of civil claims: settlements and lawsuits take time.

Because it is so important to understand at the outset, allow me to repeat it: settlements and lawsuits take time.  Even in cases where an at-fault party or his insurer is amenable to settlement, a personal injury attorney typically must wait until the victim has undergone a full course of treatment for his injuries in order to determine what fair compensation for the injuries will be.  Since treatment often takes several months or longer, even situations where no lawsuit will be filed can take quite some time.

If a lawsuit is necessary, the process only gets longer.  Even with less complex cases, the parties will exchange records and depose witnesses over a period of months.  As the cases increase in complexity and potential recovery, cases can extend for years even without accounting for appeals that may come after the ultimate judgment.  This may sound like legalese, but the takeaway is the same: if you have a claim against a negligent party, do not expect an immediate resolution because (again) settlements and lawsuits take time.

Why is this so important for clients to remember?  It is always better for clients to understand their position throughout the process of a settlement or lawsuit.  As lawyers we serve you, the client, and can only do what is in your best interest if you understand your position well enough to tell us your questions and concerns.  Additionally, some clients make short-term spending decisions based on their belief that they will speedily settle their case.  Clients who understand that settlements and lawsuits take time are less likely to make regrettable short-term financial mistakes.

In some instances, clients do obtain recovery quite quickly—this is our goal and we make it happen anytime we can.  But it is better to be conservative with your expectations and understand that it may be months or years before you receive compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of medical malpractice, a defective product, a motor vehicle accident, or by negligence, contact the experienced trial attorneys at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.