How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Take?

There is no set timeline for how long an injury case will take. Every case is unique, and many factors can influence the process. One of the biggest factors is you, the client. Throughout the case, your attorney must communicate any settlement offers made by the insurance company and advise you on whether accepting or rejecting the offer is in your best interest. Ultimately, you decide whether to settle or move forward.

Another key factor is medical treatment. You cannot rush your recovery. Doctors may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic care, orthopedic treatment, or pain management that can take weeks or months. Completing treatment not only helps your recovery but also documents the full extent of your injuries, which is critical to your case.

Your attorney will also need time to investigate and build your case. Gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence often takes longer than expected. If the at-fault insurance company disputes liability or refuses to make a fair offer, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit.

In Texas, once a lawsuit is filed and the defendant is served, they generally have until the first Monday after 20 days to file an answer. After that, the parties must wait an additional 30 days before the discovery phase begins, during which both sides exchange evidence. Discovery can last nine months or more before the case is eligible for a trial setting. Not every case goes this far, however—many injury claims settle without litigation, which significantly shortens the timeline.

At The Kaufman Law Firm, we do everything possible to streamline your case and cut through red tape while always acting in our client’s best interest.