The Personal Injury Claims Process: A Typical Timeline at SELPH LAW

Introduction

If you’ve suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the claims process timeline can help set your expectations for how long it might take to resolve your case. At SELPH LAW, your dedicated personal injury law firm in Columbus, Ohio, we guide you through each step of the legal journey, providing clarity on the timeline and what to anticipate. This article presents an in-depth guide to the typical timeline of a personal injury claim at SELPH LAW.

Please note that each case is unique, and the exact timeline can vary depending on the specifics of your situation.

Phase 1: Consultation and Investigation

Timeline: 1-4 weeks

Your journey with SELPH LAW begins with a free initial consultation, where we review the facts of your case and determine its potential. Once you decide to work with us, we commence a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. This phase also involves identifying the liable parties and notifying them of your intent to file a claim.

Phase 2: Medical Treatment and Evaluation

Timeline: Several weeks to several months

Before we can accurately value your claim, it’s vital to understand the full extent of your injuries, which is typically determined at the conclusion of your medical treatment. This period varies widely depending on the severity of your injuries. During this time, we stay in regular contact with you and your medical providers to monitor your recovery progress.

Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation

Timeline: 1-3 months

Once your medical treatment concludes and we’ve gathered all necessary evidence, we prepare a detailed demand package to send to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This package outlines your injuries, treatment, and other losses, backed by relevant documentation.

The insurance company typically responds to the demand letter within a few weeks. This starts the negotiation phase, where both sides discuss the claim’s worth to arrive at a mutually agreeable settlement. This phase can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Phase 4: Lawsuit and Discovery

Timeline: 6 months to 2 years

If we can’t reach a fair settlement during negotiations, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf. The discovery phase follows, where both sides exchange information relevant to the case. This process can be lengthy, involving written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions.

Phase 5: Mediation and Trial

Timeline: Several weeks to several months

Before proceeding to trial, both parties often attempt mediation—a process where a neutral third party helps negotiate a potential settlement. If mediation is unsuccessful, your case proceeds to trial. A trial can last a day, a week, or longer, depending on the complexity of your case.

Phase 6: Collection and Conclusion

Timeline: 1-6 weeks

Once a settlement is reached or a court verdict is given, the insurance company typically issues payment within 30 days. We deduct any legal fees and expenses from the settlement amount and provide you with the balance, marking the end of your personal injury claim journey.

Conclusion

Navigating a personal injury claim can be a lengthy and complex process. At SELPH LAW, we understand the challenges this journey can present and stand ready to guide you every step of the way. Although the timeline can be extensive, our dedicated attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve, no matter how long it takes.

If you need assistance with a personal injury claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at SELPH LAW. Your journey to justice starts here.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a professional attorney for any legal decisions.

The Personal Injury Claims Process: A Typical Timeline at SELPH LAW

The Personal Injury Claims Process: A Typical Timeline at SELPH LAW

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