If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. But how long does a medical malpractice claim take to settle, exactly?
This is a question we frequently field from our clients, and for good reason. After all, no one wants a drawn-out legal process—especially if they are confident they’ll win and have done all they can to expedite the process. Will it take a few days? A week? A few months? Can’t it all be settled today so that everyone can move on with their lives?
Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. No two medical malpractice cases are the same, and even the most nip and tuck personal injury claims can take anywhere from several months to years to settle. One case could involve a small private healthcare practice where liability is clear and damages are well-documented. Another scenario could involve a large hospital, complex insurance company negotiations, questions over who is truly at fault, and a lengthy, drawn-out court battle.
Many more medical malpractice claims fall somewhere between these two scenarios.
Be Patient and Trust Your Personal Injury Attorney
As much as it pains us to say this, the reality is that it can take months or possibly years for most medical negligence cases to be resolved through a settlement or trial. That may seem like a long time, especially if you’re dealing with injuries, expenses, and emotional stress. But there are usually very good reasons why.
How long a medical malpractice claim takes to settle depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- How many parties are involved
- How much or how little the parties agree on what happened
- How long it takes to investigate and gather evidence
- Availability of medical records
- Clear or disputed liability
- Insurance company cooperation
- Witness availability
- Settling out of court vs. going to trial
- Your willingness to settle
- Court backlogs
- Appeals and post-trial motions
- Not having key documents or paperwork on hand
- Potential third parties
- Unforeseen circumstances
Personal injury cases (including those involving medical malpractice) are important legal matters and should not be rushed. Victims and their families should seek as much information as possible and hire a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney to guide them through everything that happens next. If the details of your case allow you and your attorney to work through your situation quickly, that’s fantastic. But if it takes longer—as it likely will—let the wheels of justice play out as needed.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary.
We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, particularly for those navigating the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what’s happening with your case.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!