How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Premises Liability Claim?

If you were seriously hurt on someone else’s property, you may be thinking about filing a premises liability claim. Chances are the damages are adding up fast, especially if your injuries are keeping you out of work.

Assuming the property owner could have taken reasonable measures to prevent the accident, you’re probably entitled to seek compensation. Should you choose to proceed with a claim, it’s only natural to wonder how long it will take to secure said payout.

In a perfect world, every personal injury claim would be settled promptly, so victims could regain their financial footing right away. Unfortunately, in reality, that’s not the case.

It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve a tort action. If you’re wondering how long your claim might take, it’s wise to consult an attorney.

While a reputable lawyer will never make promises they cannot keep—legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable, after all—they can evaluate the various factors that will inevitably influence the duration of your claim. Read on to learn what those factors are:

1. The Severity of Your Injuries

Since there’s no way to confirm the extent of the damages until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, the severity of your injuries will have a major impact on the timeline. While some injuries heal in a matter of weeks, it can take months—or longer—to recover from others.

2. The Strength of the Evidence You Present

Generally speaking, insurance adjusters are more willing to negotiate when they recognize that the evidence presented will hold up in court. They know that by arriving at a settlement, they can retain at least some control over the outcome of the proceedings, instead of leaving it up to a judge.

If, on the other hand, the evidence doesn’t seem all that convincing to the insurance adjuster, the carrier probably won’t be inclined to offer a fair settlement. Consequently, the claimant may have no choice but to proceed with a formal lawsuit, which will extend the duration considerably.

3. The Carrier’s Willingness to Cooperate

Unfortunately, there are some scenarios in which insurance adjusters simply drag their feet. Regardless of the validity of the claim or the strength of the evidence it contains, arriving at a satisfactory settlement can be impossible.

When this ends up being the case, the proceedings take far longer than they should; however, resourceful attorneys can apply legal pressure in a number of ways to prod the opposing party to cooperate.

Speak with a Florida Premises Liability Attorney

Are you thinking about filing a premises liability claim? For help with every aspect of the proceedings, turn to Emerson Straw.

Our compassionate team knows what kind of toll—physical, emotional, and financial—unanticipated injuries can take on the whole family. That’s why we’re proud to advocate for those who have been wronged by others. Call (727) 821-1500 or complete the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Florida.