One of the most common questions accident victims ask is:
“How long does a personal injury case take to settle?”
The honest answer is: it depends. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer. The timeline depends on factors like injury severity, insurance cooperation, and whether a lawsuit is necessary.
At Redmond Law Firm PLLC, we help injured clients across New York City understand the legal process and pursue compensation as efficiently as possible—without sacrificing case value.
Average Timeline for Personal Injury Settlements in New York
While no two cases are the same, most personal injury cases fall into these general timeframes:
Minor Injury Cases: 3–6 Months
Cases involving soft-tissue injuries, minimal medical treatment, and clear liability often settle faster once medical treatment is complete.
Moderate Injury Cases: 6–12 Months
If injuries require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or surgery, settlement negotiations usually take longer to accurately calculate damages.
Serious or Complex Injury Cases: 12–24+ Months
Cases involving permanent injuries, disputed fault, multiple parties, or litigation can take significantly longer.
What Factors Affect How Long a Case Takes to Settle?
1. Severity of Your Injuries
Settlements typically don’t occur until doctors understand your prognosis. Rushing a case before reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) can result in underpayment.
- Mayo Clinic – Injury Recovery & Prognosis: www.mayoclinic.org
2. Medical Treatment Duration
Ongoing treatment means additional documentation and costs must be included in your claim. Strong medical records increase settlement value but require time.
3. Liability Disputes
If fault is contested, insurance companies may delay or deny claims, extending negotiations or forcing litigation.
Learn how fault affects claims in our guide on
How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit?
4. Insurance Company Delays
Insurance carriers often slow down the process hoping victims will accept lower offers out of frustration. Having a lawyer prevents these tactics.
- New York State Department of Financial Services – Insurance Basics: www.dfs.ny.gov
5. Whether a Lawsuit Is Filed
Many cases settle before trial, but filing a lawsuit can add months—or longer—depending on court schedules and discovery.
Learn when litigation becomes necessary:
How Long After an Accident Should You Get a Lawyer?
Can a Lawyer Speed Up a Personal Injury Case?
Yes—the right lawyer can significantly reduce delays by:
- Promptly gathering evidence
- Managing insurance communications
- Accurately calculating damages
- Pushing insurers toward fair settlements
- Preparing the case for trial if needed
Studies consistently show that represented clients recover higher settlements, even if cases take slightly longer.
Learn how we help clients at
Redmond Law Firm Personal Injury Services
Why Settling Too Fast Can Hurt Your Case
Quick settlements often favor insurance companies—not injured victims. Settling before your injuries are fully known may leave you responsible for:
- Future medical bills
- Ongoing therapy
- Lost earning capacity
- Long-term pain and suffering
A careful, strategic approach protects your financial future.
Is There a Deadline to Settle a Personal Injury Case in NYC?
Yes. New York has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.
- New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CPLR §214): https://nycourts.gov
Final Answer: How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?
Anywhere from a few months to two years or more, depending on:
- Injury severity
- Medical recovery time
- Liability clarity
- Insurance cooperation
- Litigation involvement
The goal isn’t just speed—it’s maximum, fair compensation.
Talk to a NYC Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident and want to understand how long your case may take—and what it may be worth—speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Redmond Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation.
No upfront fees. No recovery, no fee.