How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Louisiana?

After a serious accident, one of the first questions most people ask is how long it will take to settle their personal injury case. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is unique, and the timeline depends on factors like how complex your injuries are, how cooperative the insurance company is, and whether the case goes to trial.

While some claims may resolve in a few months, others can take a year or longer. Understanding what influences these timelines can help you set realistic expectations and protect your right to full compensation.

The Personal Injury Process in Louisiana

Before a settlement can happen, several key steps need to take place. These include:

1. Medical Treatment and Recovery – You’ll need to complete or stabilize your medical treatment before your attorney can accurately calculate damages. Injuries like neck and back injuries or brain and spinal cord injuries may require long-term recovery, which can extend the timeline.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Your lawyer will collect accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
3. Negotiation with the Insurance Company – Insurers may delay or dispute claims to avoid large payouts. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
4. Filing a Lawsuit (If Needed) – If settlement talks fail, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Even then, most cases still settle before trial.

Average Settlement Timelines

The time it takes to settle a case varies widely based on the circumstances:

• Minor Injuries or Clear Liability: 3–6 months
• Moderate Injuries (e.g., fractures or soft tissue damage): 6–12 months
• Severe or Catastrophic Injuries: 12–24 months or longer

For example, cases involving car accidents or truck accidents can take longer if there are multiple parties or questions about fault. Meanwhile, straightforward slip and fall or workers’ compensation claims may settle more quickly if liability is clear.

Factors That Affect How Long Your Case Takes

Several factors determine how long it will take to resolve your claim:

• Severity of injuries: Serious or long-term injuries extend the process.
• Length of medical treatment: The case shouldn’t settle until doctors can assess your long-term prognosis.
• Insurance company cooperation: Delays are common when insurers dispute liability or undervalue damages.
• Court backlog: If your case goes to trial, Louisiana’s court schedules can also impact the timeline.
• Liability disputes: Shared fault or multiple defendants add complexity and time.

When a Case May Go to Trial

Most personal injury claims settle without going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. Trials can take months to prepare, but they sometimes result in higher compensation.

Even after a lawsuit is filed, settlements can occur at any point—sometimes even days before trial begins.

How to Speed Up the Settlement Process

You can help your case move faster by:

• Following all medical advice and treatment plans
• Providing requested documentation promptly
• Staying in communication with your attorney
• Avoiding direct contact with insurance adjusters

Your attorney will also work to prevent unnecessary delays and keep the pressure on insurers to resolve your case efficiently.

What Damages Are Included in a Settlement?

A Louisiana personal injury settlement can include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

In cases involving fatal accidents, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs and loss of companionship damages.

Why You Need an Experienced Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer

A knowledgeable attorney ensures your claim is valued properly and not rushed to settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. At Brandt & Sherman, we have years of experience representing victims of car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, and workers’ compensation claims throughout Louisiana.

Our goal is simple: to help you recover maximum compensation as efficiently as possible while ensuring your rights are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I settle my personal injury case without a lawyer?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Insurance companies often undervalue claims from unrepresented victims. An attorney ensures you’re not pressured into an unfair offer.

What happens if my case goes to trial?
If settlement talks fail, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and present your case in court. Even then, most cases settle before trial.

Is there a time limit to file a claim in Louisiana?
Yes. You have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar your right to compensation.

Contact Our Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’re wondering how long your case might take, the best way to get an accurate answer is by speaking with an experienced attorney. The team at Brandt & Sherman Injury Lawyers will review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you move forward confidently.Call (337) 800-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll fight to make sure your recovery isn’t delayed—and that you get the compensation you deserve.