3 min read
What Affects the Timeline
A claim involving a quick recovery and clear liability may resolve in a matter of months, while disputed fault, catastrophic injuries, or multiple insurers can take considerably longer, and litigation adds discovery and court schedules. Treatment also needs to run its course before a claim can be fully valued, since settling too early can leave future medical needs uncovered.
The General Phases of a Claim
- Investigation and documentation: Gathering reports, medical records, bills, wage information, and witness statements, and identifying every insurance policy that may apply.
- Demand and negotiation: Once the damages are documented, a demand is sent to the at-fault party's insurer and negotiations begin. Many claims resolve at this stage.
- Litigation, if needed: If the claim doesn't settle, a lawsuit is filed. Discovery, depositions, mediation, and court schedules add time. Most negligence claims must be filed within two years of the injury, so litigation timing is often driven by that deadline. Fla. Stat. § 95.11.
Every Case Is Different
Every case is different, and the timeline depends on the injuries, the insurers involved, and how the other side responds. Whether your claim involves a straightforward car accident or a more complex catastrophic injury, knowing these phases helps set realistic expectations from the start.
