Obtaining Compensation for My Injuries?
How Long Will It Take to Obtain Compensation for My Injuries?
When you are involved in a personal injury case, you have a lot to take into consideration. Medical bills can be expensive, and time away from work can be financially devastating.
So, when you need compensation for your injuries, how long does it to get your payment? You could receive your compensation in as little as a few weeks, but it could also take years for the court to make a final decision. Nobody wants to wait for the money to which they are entitled, but you must carefully weigh your options before you decide how to proceed with your case.
When you are involved in a personal injury, filing a lawsuit is the first step, but it is also the option that takes the longest. If you feel as though going to court is the right decision, then your evidence will be compared with the evidence that the defended provides. The court might require you to get examined by a specialist and to attend several appointments before they make a ruling. If the defense tries to damage your credibility, the case can get that much more complicated.
Luckily, you might be able to win your legal battle quickly if you have enough evidence on your side, but only an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you make that determination.
Most of the time, the defense will offer to settle outside of court before a personal injury case even makes it before a judge. It might be tempting, but accepting a settlement might not be the best choice. If you go to court and win, you will likely receive a greater amount than if you had taken the original offer.
But if the amount is enough to cover all of your related expenses, then agreeing to a settlement is not always a bad move. But before you agree to anything, have your doctor give you an estimate of the total cost of your medical bills. If the amount is less than the settlement offer, do not accept it. Also, if you can afford to pay some of your expenses, then going to court and getting a higher payment is wise.
No matter if you settle or go to court, additional problems can arise, and it will take longer to get your compensation as a result. For example, if the doctor who examines you does not think the defendant is at fault, then your case might fall apart. You can still get a second opinion, but it won’t guarantee a favorable outcome. The amount of time it will take to find another doctor and get seen will not help when your goal is to get your compensation as quickly as possible.
Even if the defendant knows that they are responsible for your injuries, they might take you to court if you don’t have much evidence against them. If anything that you said during the case can be proven false, then winning becomes that much more challenging.
Luckily, you can take proactive steps to speed up the process. First, make sure you document everything about your incident, including the date, time and possible witnesses. Rather than delaying medical treatment, visit a doctor as soon as possible and get a copy of the evaluation. Getting witnesses on your side can speed things up if you go to court.
The defense’s insurance company might try to discredit you to minimize the amount that they are required to pay, so avoid speaking to them directly until you have consulted with a personal injury lawyer.
Although you want to get your compensation right away, it’s important to take a step back and look at your options. Agreeing to settle is the fastest way to get the money that you need, but it might not be enough. Going to court will likely take much longer, but you will get the full amount to which you are entitled if you win.
The hard part is determining whether you have enough evidence to win, and going to court without a strong case is a waste of time and money. If you are still not sure which path to take, call a personal injury lawyer for a consultation.