How Long Does it Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Paterson, NJ?
When you’re hurt in an accident and someone else is at fault, you deserve compensation for your injuries. It’s not fair that you are facing increasing bills from doctors and healthcare facilities, you’re dealing with damage to your quality of life and even personal relationships, you can’t work anymore, and the person who hurt you is going about their life as though nothing happened.
Getting compensation for your injuries is possible, but it requires help pursuing the legal avenues to get it. It’s rare that the responsible party is willing to own up to what they’ve done and paid out what you deserve. One of the biggest questions people ask is how long a personal injury case will take. Let’s look at the process of settling a personal injury case, how long it takes and why patience and help from a personal injury lawyer is vital to getting you the money you deserve.
The Lowball Offer
Settling your personal injury case can be very fast, but only if you’re willing to accept a horrible, low-ball offer that often won’t cover a fraction of your expenses. When you first get hurt, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance company adjuster who will pretend to be compassionate and friendly. They’ll offer you a very low settlement for your case.
If you refuse this settlement, they’ll try anything to convince you. They’ll claim that if you press the case, you’ll lose. They’ll say you’re not as hurt as you claim. They might even claim the accident was really your fault. This bullying is standard practice from companies who don’t make a profit by paying settlements. You don’t have to take it, but you have to be willing to stand up for yourself.
Maximum Medical Improvement
One of the key factors in resolving your case is getting to the point of maximum medical improvement. This means that you’ve completely recovered from your injury, or you are at a point where you won’t get any better. This can take a long time, but it’s important. By waiting for MMI, you have a solid grasp on the full value of your case, and it can be more difficult for the defendant to challenge your claim.
The Settlement Process
After you and your attorney begin pursuing your case, a process of negotiation follows. This is a sort of back-and-forth dance between you and the defendant in which you make a demand, they make a counteroffer, and so on. The end goal, of course, is to come to a middle ground where both parties end up satisfied.
For this reason, you usually make a very high initial demand, and they counter with a very low counteroffer. Eventually, just like with any negotiation process, the numbers will come to a middle ground. This process, unfortunately, can take a number of months.
The Trial
Most cases get settled without going to court, but when the parties can’t reach a settlement, things have to proceed to trial. In general, going to court isn’t the best approach for anyone. In some cases, a trial can result in you getting the full amount you demand. The problem is, it’s also an all-or-nothing affair—if you lose the case, you won’t get anything, and you might be stuck with the legal and court fees that accrue.
That’s why it’s so important to carefully consider the settlement offers. At the same time, getting the settlement requires patience that can be hard to maintain. The right ally in your corner can be a boon to that patience, help to guide you through the process and let you see that things are moving forward, even if not as fast as you’d like.
Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer
The right personal injury lawyer is essential to getting the settlement you deserve. Resolving your personal injury case can take months, even years, and can be a difficult process. In the end, however, it’s entirely worth it. You’ll be able to pay your medical bills, and you’ll have the income you need to make ends meet and live a productive life.
An injury settlement won’t make things all better, but it can be the key to regaining a semblance of control over your life. At the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis and Associates, LLC, we’ve got nearly three decades of experience with injury lawsuits. Whether you’ve had a work accident, slip and fall or vehicular accident, we’re here to help. Give us a call for a consultation today.
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I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
In 2023 I was involved in a T bone accident, the injuries was severe and I knew I'll need an experienced Injury law firm to take the case and to help me get the best outcome.
I therefore called Peter N Davis and Associates. Within a few hours I had a representative at my door for interview and intake.
I've never regretted making that call, because they recommended me to a capable and reputable Healthcare Institution for my treatment.
I've had several procedures and surgeries.
They're help me navigate the difficult road of getting treatment and dealing with my case.
We've not done yet but I like their service so far.
The staff at the Law offices of Peter N Davis and Associates are experienced who have empathy and passion. They have a very good work ethics from the phone operators, Case management, Paralegals, Case lawyers and all.
Mr. Davis is very personable,
a problem solver he's down-to-earth
