When you are considering legal action after an injury, one of the most common questions is “How long will this take?” Each case’s timeline depends on many factors, such as injury severity or whether the other party is willing to negotiate. The path from filing a Cincinnati personal injury lawsuit to reaching a settlement involves several phases, each serving an important purpose.
Seeking Medical Treatment
Your immediate priority after an accident is getting proper medical care. During this phase, you will attend doctor appointments, undergo diagnostic tests, and follow prescribed treatments. Some injuries resolve quickly, while others require long-term care or rehabilitation.
You will want to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before filing your lawsuit. This helps you understand the full scope of your injuries and future medical needs. Depending on the severity of your injuries, reaching MMI may take several months or even years.
Meeting with a Personal Injury Attorney
After seeking treatment, your next step is to speak with a lawyer who can represent your case. This initial consultation helps you understand the strength of your case and sets expectations for the legal process.
During your meeting, your attorney will ask questions about the accident, review any documentation you’ve gathered, and explain your legal options. They will also discuss their experience with similar cases and outline the potential timeline ahead.
Investigating the Accident
Next, your attorney will launch a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence before it disappears or degrades. This includes collecting police reports, interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, and photographing the accident scene. They may also consult with relevant experts who can testify in your case. This process often takes a few months.
Filing the Initial Complaint
Once your attorney has gathered enough evidence, they will draft and file your complaint. This step formally initiates your personal injury lawsuit in the Cincinnati court system. The defendant will then need to respond to your claim within 28 days of being served.
Gathering Evidence Through Discovery
The discovery phase is often the longest portion of a personal injury lawsuit, often taking six months to one year. During this time, both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and recorded testimonies. You may need to undergo a medical examination by the defense’s doctors and provide a deposition. This phase helps both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of each other’s case.
Negotiating a Settlement
Settlement negotiations can occur at any point during your lawsuit. During these discussions, your attorney will present your demands and attempt to come to a fair settlement with the defense. If your case settles, your lawsuit may be resolved in as little as a few months.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If settlement attempts fail, your case proceeds to court. The trial itself usually lasts a few days for standard personal injury lawsuits, though complex cases may take longer. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury will deliver a verdict determining whether the defendant is liable and, if so, how much compensation you should receive.
Start Your Legal Journey Today
If you plan on filing a personal injury lawsuit in Cincinnati, do not face the process alone. The attorneys at Monge & Associates can guide you through every step of your claim while protecting your rights. Contact us at (888) 302-7176 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.