The Settlement Timeline

Why settling too fast is the biggest mistake you can make.

Phase 1: Treatment & Investigation (0 - 12 Months)

This is often the longest phase. You must focus on healing. Settling before prognosis and future-care needs are understood can leave future medical expenses undervalued or released. Attorney review should consider whether you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or whether reliable future-care proof is available.

Phase 2: The Demand Package (Month 12 - 14)

Once you are healed, we gather all medical records, police reports, and wage loss documentation. We send a comprehensive "Demand Package" to the insurer giving them a chance to pay the full value.

Phase 3: Litigation (Month 14 - 24+)

If they refuse to pay a fair amount (which is common in high-value cases), we file a lawsuit. This starts the court clock.

• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence.
• Depositions: Lawyers question witnesses under oath.
• Mediation: A final attempt to settle before trial.

Phase 4: Trial

If mediation fails, we go to trial. A jury hears the evidence and decides the verdict. This is rare, but we prepare every case as if it will happen.

General Timeline by Injury Severity

• Simple soft tissue: 3-6 months after treatment ends
• Moderate injury: 6-12 months
• Serious injury with surgery: 12-18 months
• Catastrophic/death: 18-36 months or more