If you’ve been injured in Indiana and are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be wondering how long the process will take. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The timeline for a personal injury case can vary depending on a variety of factors.
Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from several months to 3 years to reach a settlement or verdict in a personal injury case in Indiana. However, the actual timeline for your case will depend on several factors.
The first step in a civil lawsuit is to file a complaint with the proper court. You must also serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint and summons. Once this is done, the lawsuit officially begins.
The pre-trial process of exchanging information between parties to a lawsuit is known as discovery. During this time, both sides will gather evidence and information to support their case. This may include police reports, medical records, security footage, company emails, and other documents. Discovery also includes depositions, where both parties can question each other and witnesses under oath. This process typically begins soon after the complaint is filed and usually continues until about 30 days before the start of a trial.
Several factors can impact the length of litigation. The complexity of a case is one of the most significant factors. A slip and fall case is relatively simple, whereas a medical malpractice case is typically more complex. The amount of damages is another factor to consider. A case worth $10,000 will typically be resolved more quickly than a case worth $1 million. The severity of injuries is also significant. A case involving soft tissue damage will typically be resolved more quickly than a case involving a brain injury, paralysis or death.
The caseload in your particular jurisdiction is also a big factor. Once you file a lawsuit, you are at the mercy of the courts regarding dates, which may change right up to the last moment. Your patience will also impact the timeline for your case.
If you have been in an accident and have been injured, contact Hurst Limontes today to discuss your options. We have decades of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or email us for a FREE and confidential consultation.