How long does it usually take to settle a personal injury claim?

Settlement timelines vary widely. A straightforward case may resolve in 3–4 months, while cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or complex medical issues can take a year or more. Cases that proceed to litigation may extend several years due to court schedules, discovery, and expert involvement.

Why do more serious injuries take longer to settle?

Serious injuries require longer recovery times, ongoing treatment, and future-care evaluations. A claim should not be settled until the injured person reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), when doctors can determine long-term effects and future medical needs. Settling too early risks undervaluing the claim.

What makes a personal injury case more complex?

A personal injury case becomes more complex when there are multiple parties, unclear liability, limited insurance coverage, or extensive medical evidence. These situations require additional investigation, expert analysis, and negotiations, all of which increase the settlement timeline.

How do insurance companies affect the settlement timeline?

Insurance companies can accelerate or delay a claim depending on their internal processes, adjuster availability, liability disputes, or low initial offers. When multiple insurers are involved or when carriers challenge damages, the timeline increases significantly.

Does filing a lawsuit mean the case will take years?

Filing a lawsuit often extends the timeline but does not guarantee a long process. Some cases settle shortly after a lawsuit is filed, especially once evidence or litigation risk becomes clearer. Full litigation, including discovery and trial, may take 12–36 months depending on the court's docket and case complexity.

How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim?

Keith Diaz
Nov 19, 2025
4 min read

When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—medical treatment, financial pressure, and an uncertain recovery all demand attention at once. At Apis Law, we help injured people across New Hampshire understand what to expect from the personal injury claims process, including how long a settlement may realistically take.

Because timelines vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, available insurance coverage, and the complexity of the case, having a clear understanding of these factors is essential. This article explains the key issues that affect settlement timing and how Apis Law works to position clients for a fair, timely, and well-supported recovery.

Understanding the Factors That Impact the Settlement Time

The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim varies. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. From the severity of your injuries to how well insurance companies handle negotiations, many factors can influence the timeline. Let’s take a look at the key factors that could speed up—or slow down—the process.

The Severity of the Injury

The more severe your injury, the longer the settlement process is likely to take. Why? Because it takes time to heal. And while you may want to put the experience behind you, you need to wait until your injuries have fully healed—or at least stabilized—before you can accurately assess the damages. If you need ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, the claim can’t be settled until all the necessary treatment is completed. Even after treatment, doctors may need to evaluate the long-term impact of your injury. This is often the most significant factor in determining how long your claim will take.

Complexity of Your Personal Injury Case

If your case is straightforward, you might see a settlement quickly. But if the accident was complicated—let's say there are multiple parties involved or liability is disputed—the process will take longer. Gathering evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and medical records can take considerable time. The more complex your case, the more time will be required to prove fault and assess the full extent of the damages.

The Availability of Insurance Coverage

The insurance coverage available can either speed up or delay the process. If the at-fault party has sufficient insurance, settling the claim could be straightforward. However, if the insurance coverage is limited, negotiating a fair settlement can take longer. This is particularly true if the settlement needs to be adjusted to match the coverage limits. Furthermore, when multiple insurance companies are involved, the process often takes longer.

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Negotiation Willingness

Sometimes, the other party simply doesn’t want to settle. If there is a disagreement over liability or the amount of the settlement, it can delay resolution. You may need to go back and forth multiple times to reach an agreement. Some parties are quicker to negotiate, but others may drag their feet, prolonging the claim. Negotiation skills on both sides will play a crucial role in how quickly the matter is resolved.

When Lawsuits Are Involved: A More Lengthy Process

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The Role of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

While most personal injury claims are resolved outside of court, there are cases where a lawsuit becomes necessary. If negotiations stall, you may have to file a lawsuit to proceed with your claim. Unfortunately, the legal process is time-consuming. It could take months or even years for a final decision to be reached. Court hearings, legal motions, and discovery can significantly delay your case, and you should be prepared for the additional time commitment.

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Medical Records and Expert Testimony

The full extent of your injuries can’t always be determined immediately. Medical records need to be gathered, reviewed, and analyzed. If your injuries are complex, you may need expert testimony on their nature and long-term impact. Expert testimony, especially in complicated medical cases, takes time to secure and can extend the duration of your claim.

The Need for Vocational Rehabilitation

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, vocational rehabilitation may be required to help you find a new job. This process doesn’t happen overnight. The time needed to secure rehabilitation services and evaluate your future earning potential can lengthen the overall settlement timeline. This is particularly important if your injury has lasting impacts on your ability to work.

The Importance of Patience During the Claims Process

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The Claimant’s Ability to Negotiate

You might have heard of people who settle their claims quickly—sometimes even in a matter of months. But here’s the catch: some people are simply better at negotiating than others. If you're comfortable with the negotiation process or have the right legal support, you may be able to settle your personal injury claim faster. The more skilled you are at managing negotiations, the more likely you’ll be to expedite the process.

Availability of the Parties Involved

Sometimes, the delay in settling a claim is due to something as simple as scheduling. If the insurance company’s representatives, your lawyer, or even the responsible party aren't available to meet or discuss, your claim may be delayed. Conflicting schedules, vacations, and other obligations can cause setbacks. While this might seem trivial, it can significantly extend the claim process!

Conclusion: How Long Does It Really Take?

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So, how long does it actually take to settle a personal injury claim? On average, it could take anywhere from 3-4 months to several years. Factors like the severity of the injury, the complexity of the case, the availability of insurance coverage, and the willingness to negotiate all play significant roles in the timeline.

If you’re going through a personal injury claim, patience is key. While the injury you’ve suffered can be challenging, the settlement process is often not a quick fix. It takes time to heal physically and to navigate the various elements of a personal injury claim. By understanding the potential factors involved, you’ll be better equipped to manage expectations and work toward a fair resolution.