The loss of a family member or loved one for any reason can be a devastating experience – but if the loss feels preventable, it can make the experience even more difficult. If you’ve lost someone due to the negligence or ill behavior of another person or entity, you have a right to compensation under the law.
However, if you’re going to bring this kind of case forward, you’ll likely want to know how long does it take to settle a wrongful death suit? Understanding the timeline for such a case can help you adjust your expectations properly going into the experience.
The more you know about a wrongful death lawsuit ahead of time, the better prepared you’ll be to see your case through to a successful outcome. If you’re ready to learn more about how to settle a wrongful death lawsuit, read on – we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
All Wrongful Death Cases are Different
Every wrongful death case is unique, and thus, it’s important to try to not make generalizations when it comes to these cases.
The reasons behind a wrongful death situation are many, and how each case plays out will need to be highly specific to the situation at hand.
It’s important to avoid thinking in generalizations when thinking about these cases. The timeline of one case to another can vary drastically, which is why it is hard to give a straight answer to the question of how long the legal process might take.
Still, there are a few broad commonalities that can be helpful to keep in mind when thinking about the overall timeline of your case.
Avoiding the Quick Settlement
The first thing to consider is that you’ll likely get a settlement offer quite early in your case. Many insurance companies are quick to push a settlement forward because it means they can get a case out of the way early.
Often, this is because the insurance company is hopeful that they can make a settlement deal before the full extent of damage and injury has revealed themselves.
It’s possible that the full extent of the loss of this individual hasn’t revealed itself at the time of the offer – accepting it too early might put you in a difficult situation later.
Of course, it is tempting to accept a quick settlement, especially if you are struggling to pay your bills in the absence of this lost family member.
But if you do, there’s a very good chance you’ll be getting less than you deserve, and your quick acceptance will only help the insurance company protect its bottom line.
If you were to take this initial offer, you might be able to secure compensation within a month or two or the case being brought forward. However, it can be well worth it to wait a bit longer and really dig into the case.
Fighting For Compensation and a Longer Timeline
When you bring a wrongful death suit together, you’ll likely want to do so with the assistance of a wrongful death lawyer. This is an experienced professional who has handled cases like yours dozens of times in the past.
They’ll know exactly how to combat insurance company defenses, handle the paperwork related to your case, and support you during a very difficult time.
You can go to this site to learn more about the kinds of legal professionals who offer their services for this kind of tricky legal situation.
However, it’s important to recognize that this process might not be a short one. It can take months to gather the evidence you need to build a case that will get you the compensation you deserve.
Even once that case is built, it can take months of negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company before a settlement total that feels right is agreed upon.
While it can be difficult to wait for compensation to come through, allowing this time for the case to proceed should benefit you greatly in the long term. Rushing the case can put you in a bad situation sometime down the line.
Timeline of Your Wrongful Death Case
How long will you have to wait for the financial aid that you need?
That’s where the variables of your case will come into play. Some cases may be resolved within a few months, while others may take years. It’s best to talk with your experienced attorney and get a sense of the timeline for your case from then.
With their expertise and their familiarity with the specifics of your case, they should be able to say how long it might take to receive the compensation that you deserve.
In the meantime, you can look for other ways to keep yourself afloat financially during this time, whether it be through loans or other forms of financial support. Depending on the specifics of your case, there may be programs that can offer you support until your compensation comes through.
How Long to Settle a Wrongful Death Suit
So how long does it take to settle a wrongful death suit? The above information can help you understand all you need to know.
The truth is, the timeline for these cases can vary greatly case by case, but it’s important to let them proceed on a longer timeline because it can mean more compensation for you at the end of the day.
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