When our personal injury attorneys in Albany, Georgia first meet with a new client, they usually have two questions. The first thing they want to know is how much money their case is worth. The second question they have is how long it will take for them to get their money.
There’s nothing wrong with asking these questions. In fact, if it were one of us, we would ask the same questions. The reason you hire a Georgia personal injury lawyer is to get compensation for your injuries. It makes sense that you’d want to know how long the process takes.
Here, we will discuss the factors that can impact how long it takes to settle your case. We’ll also explain what happens if the defendant’s lawyer refuses to settle. The good news is that more than 95% of all personal injury cases settle. The odds of going to trial are very low.
Rest assured that we will do everything in our power to settle your case as quickly as possible. However, we will never sacrifice a fair settlement just to get your money a few weeks early. Our goal is to get you as much money as possible. Sometimes, that takes a little more time than you would think.
Most Personal Injury Cases Settle Long Before Trial
As indicated above, more than 95% of all personal injury cases settle. This is because nobody wants to go to trial if it can be avoided. Trials can be very expensive. You’ll have to pay for expert witnesses, depositions, fees, and costs. And, even after paying all this money, there’s no guarantee that you’ll win in court.
The other thing about going to trial is that it can take years. Typically, a personal injury case can take at least a year to go to trial. In the meantime, you’ll have to attend mediation and even a settlement conference with the judge. This can drag your case out for several years.
The last thing that’s worth pointing out about trials is that you could lose. Just because you think you have a strong case, there’s no guarantee the judge or jury will agree. The defendant could have a worthy defense that casts doubt on your version of the accident.
Compromise Is Key – You Have to Be Willing to Give a Little to Get a Little
It can be very difficult to tell a client that they won’t be receiving their full demand. When we filed suit on their behalf, it was for every possible dollar they could prove. Going into the case, we understand that the case is probably going to settle. We explain this to our clients.
We also know that you’re not going to get your full demand. Settlement negotiations are all about compromise. If you expect the defendant to pay a lump sum settlement and give up their chance of fighting the claim in court, you must compromise as well.
Usually, our personal injury attorneys in Albany, Georgia look to collect anywhere from 50-70% of your initial demand. If the settlement covers our client’s out-of-pocket expenses, we typically see it as fair.
If you remember that it’s not your Georgia personal injury lawyer’s job to make you rich. It is their job to make you whole. If the settlement achieves that, then it is a positive outcome for you.
Will Your Personal Injury Attorney in Albany, Georgia Force You to Settle Your Case?
One thing you don’t have to worry about is your attorney forcing you to settle. Whether you accept the defendant’s offer is entirely up to you. With that said, your Georgia personal injury lawyer may suggest that you accept a settlement. Our attorneys have a lot of experience dealing with personal injury cases. They are also familiar with the various insurance companies. If they truly think the defendant’s offer is the best you’re going to get, they’ll let you know.
Once you have an offer in your hands, you should take a day or two to think about it. The last thing you want to do is accept it and then change your mind. Once the settlement agreement is signed, there isn’t much you can do to change that.
The good news is that once you do agree to a settlement, you should have your settlement proceeds in about thirty days. When the check comes in, your attorney will take their fee off the top. Then they will reimburse the firm for any costs that were paid in advance for your case.
Finally, any out-of-pocket bills, such as monies paid out by your health insurance carrier, will have to be paid back. Whatever is left over is yours to do with as you please.
Call and Schedule Your Free, Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney in Albany, Georgia
If you or your family member are hurt in any sort of accident, you may have a claim for damages. If you want to maximize the chances of receiving the compensation you deserve, it’s a good idea to call a personal injury attorney in Albany, Georgia.
Our attorneys meet with dozens of clients every month. These are people like you who have been hurt in a random accident. As much as we would love to promise that your case will settle in a few months, it wouldn’t be fair for us to do that.
Our Georgia personal injury lawyers believe it is our duty to be upfront and honest with our clients. Some attorneys will guarantee that they can get your case settled within ninety days. Then, when the 90 days are up, they find some reason why your case isn’t resolved. They’ll keep stalling, telling you that you’ll have your money “any day now.”
We believe our clients deserve to know the truth. Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll have a better idea of what it may be worth. However, there’s no way to know how long it will take to settle. As explained above, most cases settle in under a year. This is just enough time for the case to run its course. As long as settle before the trial, we see it as a win-win for both parties.
If you want to come in and discuss your case, just give us a call and we can schedule your free, initial consultation.
