Every lawsuit is different and will take a different length of time than the last. If you find yourself in a situation in which you could file a wrongful death lawsuit, how long will it take to reach a settlement? It depends on a lot of factors, but the following are some basics.
Working by Yourself
If you don’t plan to hire a lawyer, the case could be resolved fairly quickly. An insurance company may offer you a settlement that you immediately accept, making the case last only a few months. The down side of working without a legal professional is you may not know the ins and outs of wrongful death. You may not realize you are entitled to a whole lot more than the insurance company is offering you, though it may sound like a lot to you.
Another down side of settling too quickly with the insurance company is you don’t know the long-term effects of the death. Are you going to get medical bills in the future for injuries sustained before the death? Are there funeral costs that are still unpaid? Keep in mind there could be future expenses that arise and a quick settlement typically won’t cover them.
Working With an Attorney
When you hire an attorney, it’s possible the case could last anywhere from one to four years. There could be lengthy investigations, negotiations, motions and a variety of situations that will involve a lot of time. The good news is although it takes longer than doing it on your own, the compensation received is often a great deal more than it would be otherwise. In addition to compensatory damages, you could receive punitive damages as well, such as emotional distress and lost wages.
Being patient during the time it would take you to resolve a case with an attorney is typically the smarter way to go. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee as well, so if the lawsuit takes a while, you won’t have to worry about paying for all that time if the case is unfortunately lost.
Contacting a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Finding yourself in the position to file a wrongful death lawsuit is a heartbreaking situation, but you still deserve the compensation that can come from it. If your loved one passed away at the negligence of another person or company, contact a wrongful death lawyer, speak with him or her about the time it will take to resolve the case and get started today.