- September 13, 2023
- Personal Injury
If you were the victim of a car accident, dog bite, slip and fall accident, or another personal injury, you may be wondering how long you’ll have to wait for your case to settle or go through the court system. The amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury lawsuit depends on several factors.
Our Charlotte personal injury lawyers will strive to get you the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Of course, there is a time limit to when you can file a lawsuit and this will be a very important factor. According to NCGS 1-52(16), North Carolina has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases – this time limit is 3 years from the time of the accident.
You have until 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, and if you let this deadline pass by, North Carolina courts will most likely refuse to hear the case. To avoid missing your chance to obtain compensation, your best bet is to reach out to an attorney and discuss the best approach to the matter with them.
The deadline to bring a wrongful death claim is two years from the death.
How Long Will It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?
In most cases, both parties decide to settle the legal claim outside of the courtroom – it saves time and resources. Settling a personal injury claim could take a couple of months to over a year.
However, it may take years to resolve a personal injury lawsuit if the case goes to trial.
There are many variables that can impact the timeline for a personal injury settlement. Here are some examples:
- Severity of injuries: Claims that involve serious injuries and high medical bills usually take longer to settle.
- Contested liability: In North Carolina, plaintiffs can’t recover compensation in a lawsuit if they were partially responsible for an accident. If the defendant argues you are partially at fault, it can drag out settlement negotiations.
- Multiple parties: If a claim involves more than one liable party, such as a multi-car accident, the settlement process could take longer.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Before Talking to a Lawyer
While you may be tempted to quickly settle your claim with the insurance company, you should always consult with a lawyer first. Insurance companies will try to offer the lowest settlement amount possible. Without guidance from an attorney, you risk walking away with less than what you deserve.
Additionally, you give up the right to pursue further legal action once a claim is settled. Your settlement needs to take into account ongoing medical expenses.
Our Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensated Fairly
No one likes waiting, but ending up with a nominal payout that does not even cover your economic losses to the fullest is even worse. Before you finalize anything, it is best that you speak to a qualified Charlotte personal injury lawyer.
We offer free initial consultation for new clients, so call us today at 704.706.2689!
