How Long Do Lawsuits Take in Texas?
Lawsuits can take a significant amount of time, not only because of the rules of Civil Procedure that set strict deadlines, but also because the litigation process itself is inherently time-consuming. In a typical personal injury case, the process begins when the plaintiff files their original petition and serves the defendant. From the moment the defendant is served, they have 20 days plus the following Monday to file an answer. This alone adds nearly a month to the timeline before the lawsuit truly progresses. This initial period also does not include the time required for investigations, medical treatment, or gathering evidence, which may have already been ongoing before the lawsuit is filed.
After the defendant answers, the parties must wait an additional 30 days before the discovery period begins. Discovery is the phase where both sides exchange information, conduct depositions, and submit written discovery requests such as interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission. Depending on the complexity of the case, discovery can last nine months or even longer.
Once discovery closes, the case is typically set for trial. However, due to crowded court dockets and high case volumes, it is unlikely that your case will be called for trial during the first setting. Courts often set multiple cases—or even hundreds—for trial on the same day, and the oldest cases on the docket are called first. For example, if your case is filed in 2025, it may have to wait behind cases filed in 2021 or 2022.
It’s important to note that most cases do not actually go to trial; roughly 90–95% of cases settle beforehand. Even if your case is set for trial, it may take several months—or even more than a year—before it is actually heard, especially in larger counties like Dallas. If you are not called on your first trial date, the next setting may not occur for another three to four months, and you may need to wait additional time depending on the court’s docket.
Having an experienced attorney is critical in navigating this process efficiently. A skilled attorney knows how to manage deadlines, build a strong case during discovery, and maximize your chances of a favorable settlement. By understanding the procedural timelines and potential delays, an attorney can help you cut through red tape and ensure your case progresses as quickly and effectively as possible.