How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?

By Howard Eglash, Personal Injury Attorney

When someone is injured because of another person’s negligence, one of the first questions they usually ask is how long their personal injury case will take to settle. The answer isn’t the same for everyone. While some cases resolve in a few months, others take a year or more. The timeline depends on the facts of the case, the severity of the injury, and how quickly the insurance company is willing to negotiate.

Understanding the steps in the process can help set realistic expectations and reduce uncertainty during an already stressful time.

Initial Medical Treatment and Recovery

Before a personal injury case can be resolved, the injured person must reach a point of medical stability. This doesn’t necessarily mean full recovery, but it does mean doctors have a clear understanding of the long-term impact of the injury.

Settling too early can result in compensation that doesn’t account for:

• Future medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Lost earning capacity
• Long-term pain or limitations

For this reason, attorneys often wait until a client reaches “maximum medical improvement” before moving forward with settlement discussions.

Investigation and Documentation

Once treatment is underway, the attorney gathers information to build the case. This may include:

• Medical records and bills
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photos or video evidence
• Expert opinions (when necessary)

This stage can take several weeks or months, depending on how complex the situation is and how long it takes for providers to send records.

Demand Letter and Negotiation

When the injuries and damages are fully documented, the attorney sends a formal demand letter to the insurance company. This outlines:

• What happened
• The injuries sustained
• The financial and non-financial losses
• The amount requested to settle the claim

Insurance companies rarely accept the first demand. Most cases involve several rounds of negotiation. Some settle quickly. Others take longer if liability is disputed or the insurer undervalues the claim.

When Cases Settle Quickly

A case might settle within a few months if:

• Injuries are minor and treatment is short
• Liability is clear
• The insurance company is cooperative
• Damages are straightforward

These situations allow for faster negotiation and resolution.

When Cases Take Longer

Cases often take longer when:

• Injuries are serious and require extended treatment
• Multiple parties are involved (for example, multi-car collisions)
• There are questions about who was at fault
• The insurance company refuses to make a fair offer
• Expert reports are needed

In these cases, settlement might not happen until many months after the accident, or even longer.

What Happens if the Case Doesn’t Settle?

If negotiations stall, the next step is filing a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean the case will automatically go to trial. Many lawsuits still settle before a courtroom is involved, but litigation adds additional time because the court process includes:

• Discovery
• Depositions
• Motions
• Possible mediation
• Scheduling constraints

The timeline once a lawsuit is filed can range from several months to well over a year, depending on the court’s calendar and how complicated the case is.

A Typical Timeline

While every case is unique, many personal injury claims fall into general time ranges:

• Simple cases: 3 to 6 months
• Moderate injury cases: 6 to 12 months
• Serious or complex cases: 1 to 2 years (especially if litigation is required)

These are estimates, not guarantees, but they provide a general idea of what to expect.

The Importance of Patience

It’s natural to want a fast resolution, especially when medical bills and lost wages are adding up. But settling too quickly can mean leaving future compensation behind. Taking the time to gather complete information often leads to a result that better reflects the full impact of the injury.

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Personal Injury Process

Every personal injury case follows its own timeline, and delays often happen because your full medical picture needs time to develop. While waiting can be frustrating, it ensures that your compensation reflects the real impact of the accident, not just the immediate costs.

Working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights from the moment treatment begins through settlement negotiations or litigation. From dealing with insurance companies to documenting long-term losses, having the right representation makes a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

At Bosshard Parke, we help injury victims in La Crosse, Sparta, and throughout western Wisconsin pursue compensation that reflects the true extent of their injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult an attorney at Bosshard Parke.