If you are just beginning your personal injury case in Ontario, California, it is normal to want to know how long your case might take. Unfortunately, this is highly subjective, with timelines varying drastically from case to case. Learning what to expect from the timeframe of your individual case takes breaking down the factors at play.
If you have questions or would like a free case review, contact our Ontario personal injury lawyers today.
Typical Timeline for a Personal Injury Case
Understanding how long a personal injury case may take in Ontario requires knowledge of the timeline of a typical claim. How long each stage will take depends on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of the insurance provider and parties involved.
Initial Medical Treatment and Recovery Period
Most personal injury cases begin with the accident victim receiving medical care and keeping up with a doctor’s treatment plan. This phase could take several weeks up to a few months depending on the severity of the injuries. However, it is important to wait before continuing until the victim has an idea of how much the injury will impact his or her life and future.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The next phase consists of investigations of the accident to determine its cause and name the at-fault party or parties. This stage of a personal injury case also involves evidence collection. It may take a few months or longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Settlement vs. Trial: Key Timeline Differences
Whether or not a personal injury case in Ontario goes to trial is a significant factor in how long it will take overall. A settlement is typically much faster than a personal injury trial. In most cases, a settlement can be reached within around three to six months.
A trial, on the other hand, can take one year or longer. Timelines depend on the availability of the local courthouse as well as the length of the discovery phase. In a busy county, courthouse backlogs can lengthen the timeline of the case.
Factors That Affect the Length of Your Case
Although every case is unique, certain elements can take a personal injury claim longer to reach a resolution than others. If any of these are present in your case, be aware that it may take longer than average:
- Severe or catastrophic injuries
- Short-term or long-term disability
- The death of a loved one
- Multiple at-fault parties or disputed liability
- Complex evidence
- Insurance company delays
- An insurer refusing to cooperate
If your case is taking a long time to be resolved, try to remain patient and positive. Rushing into a fast settlement can lead to a binding agreement that you cannot undo – and that does not adequately compensate you for serious losses.
How an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have a complicated personal injury case, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Ontario for assistance. An attorney can streamline the claims process to speed it up as much as possible while still protecting your rights and best interests. Your attorney will be able to avoid common mistakes and delays while fighting for maximum compensation for your losses.
To find out how long your personal injury case may take, speak to the experienced attorneys in Ontario at Jacoby & Meyers. Call (909) 316-5154 for a free consultation.