Stephens Law Firm | April 22, 2025 | Personal Injury
Personal injury cases arise because of numerous acts of negligence or intentional torts. Claims seek compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses caused by another party’s actions. Each personal injury claim involves different circumstances and factors. Therefore, the length of a personal injury case varies.
Some personal injury cases take a few months to settle. Complicated personal injury claims may take a year or longer to settle. If the victim files a personal injury lawsuit, it could take several years to reach a settlement or go to trial.
This article discusses the factors that impact how long a personal injury case takes in Texas. We also discuss the stages of a personal injury case so you understand what to expect.
Factors That Impact the Timeline for a Personal Injury Case in Texas
Numerous factors can complicate a personal injury case and lengthen the time it takes to settle your claim. Common factors that can affect how long a personal injury case takes include:
Severity of Injuries
The type and severity of injuries can impact how long it takes to settle your injury claim. Severe and catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment. The recovery period for traumatic injuries is much longer. Settling a personal injury case before you complete medical treatment could lower your settlement amount.
The Parties Involved in the Case
Personal injury cases involving multiple parties often take longer to settle. The parties try to blame each other to avoid liability, which means a prolonged fight about fault. Additionally, some parties, including government entities and large corporations, are more difficult to deal with in a case.
The Type of Personal Injury Case
The type of personal injury case may also impact how long it takes to settle your case. Some personal injury matters are more complicated than others. For example, cases involving medical malpractice, product liability, and government torts can take longer to resolve because of the nature of the case.
Disputes About Liability
If the other party disputes liability for the accident or injury, it takes longer to settle a claim. Additional time may be required to gather evidence proving that the other party caused your injuries. Your attorney may need to hire accident reconstructionists and other experts to analyze the evidence and prepare reports supporting your claim.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may dispute claims to avoid paying a settlement. An insurance company may intentionally delay settlement by requesting unnecessary information, undervaluing economic and non-economic damages, or denying valid claims. These tactics draw out the settlement process to pressure an injured party into accepting a lower settlement offer. Your remaining option may be to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Stages of a Texas Personal Injury Case
Each personal injury case is unique. The process of your case may differ slightly from other cases. However, a personal injury case usually involves several stages, including:
An Accident or Personal Injury
You are involved in an accident resulting in injuries, such as a car accident or a slip and fall accident. The injuries may be caused by other negligence or wrongdoing, such as medical malpractice or defective products. If you are injured because of another party, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Delays in medical treatment can negatively impact your case.
Meeting With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Learn about your legal options during a free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer. An attorney explains how Texas personal injury laws impact your claim and what to expect from the claims process.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Your attorney investigates your claim to gather evidence. An injured party must prove the legal elements required to establish liability. Depending on the case, an investigation could take several weeks or months to complete.
Settlement Demand Letter
The attorney prepares a settlement demand letter after you complete medical treatment and the investigation is complete. A settlement demand letter includes:
- A summary of the facts of the case
- A discussion of the statutes and laws that create liability
- Explanation of your injuries and damages
- The amount you demand to settle your claim
The insurance company reviews your demand. It may accept liability and agree to pay the amount you claim for damages. In many cases, the company counterclaims with a lower amount. Back-and-forth negotiations could take several weeks or months as the parties discuss settlement options.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a settlement is not possible, you can proceed with a lawsuit in the civil court. Personal injury lawsuits can take more than a year to go to trial. Even though you file a lawsuit, the case may be settled before trial.
Tips for Expediting a Personal Injury Claim in Fort Worth, TX
Understandably, you want to settle a personal injury claim as soon as possible. Tips for expediting your claim include:
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries
- Document and preserve evidence by taking photographs and making videos of the accident scene
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details
- Keep a journal detailing your recovery, including your pain and suffering
- Document your economic and non-economic damages
- Schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Consulting an experienced injury lawyer can help you resolve your injury case as quickly as possible. An attorney has the resources to pursue the claim. They understand the claims process and the law. Handling a claim alone could slow the process and result in a lower settlement amount.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
