How Long Does a Lawsuit Take? | Belt, Bruner & Barnett

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How Long Does a Lawsuit Take?

Nov 25, 2016 | Personal Injury

The length of a lawsuit depends on a number of factors. From the amount being sought to the number of parties involved, every variable plays a role. The skilled Alabama personal injury lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. understand that filing a lawsuit can cause anxiety. You may have been wronged in a way that has impacted your ability to work or function, and compensation may be essential.

Call (205) 933-1500 for a free consultation. Our team will stand by you and provide updates throughout the litigation process.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Trying to handle a personal injury case without the help of a lawyer can be brutal. An insurance company, for example, may offer a low settlement, knowing full-well that you have no legal counsel to advise against it. Those responsible for your injuries also want the process to end quickly. More time spent resolving a claim makes it more likely that you will hire a personal injury law firm. A personal injury firm can help you file a lawsuit so that you receive maximum compensation.

Once you file a lawsuit, the case transitions to pre-trial preparations. In personal injury cases, pre-trial procedures include discovery, where both sides collect evidence and relevant information. In many cases, mediation of the dispute occurs before a personal injury lawsuit reaches trial. During mediation, the parties can attempt to negotiate agreeable cash settlements. If negotiations are not fruitful, a case will proceed to trial. It is here that both sides put their best foot forward to argue for or against personal injury compensation.

The Unpredictability of Litigation

Unfortunately, personal injury lawsuits can be unpredictable and time-consuming. During the discovery period, for example, it is impossible to know how long it will take to collect records from medical facilities and billing companies. A number of other factors can also slow down the process, such as fighting with a defendant over the amount of discovery produced, trial continuances, trial dates being rescheduled, and whether those responsible for your suffering participate willingly.

The duration of a lawsuit can also be impacted by state funds. Several Circuit Court judges across the state have reported that the funding of the Alabama courts ha been cut by up to 20 percent in the past year alone. This means that civil courts now operate fewer months out of the year, which translates to a delay in trials and the postponement of justice.

Seeking the Compensation You Deserve

Regardless of the nature of a case, taking someone to claims court is never a fast process. While the duration and outcome of lawsuits vary, having a defense attorney is always essential. At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., our experienced personal injury lawyers have reached desirable outcomes for countless lawsuits. Our team will update you continuously so that you are never in the dark, providing explanations for everything that occurs.

If you or a loved one were injured in a devastating accident, call the personal injury lawsuit attorneys from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 or use our online form. We offer a case evaluation free of charge and are ready to help you obtain full compensation for your losses. With offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our attorneys will quickly travel to investigate your case.