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Every wrongful death case is different. It’s essential to understand that some cases can be more complex in comparison to others due to steps that can be time-consuming. Although there isn’t a definite answer to the question, this blog can provide you with an insight into the timeline for an average wrongful death lawsuit.
The Average Timeline
While some lawsuits can settle within a matter of months, other lawsuits can take an average of 1 to 4 years to settle. Some cases may settle before going to trial, which may be on the quicker end of the spectrum, but settling a case can take some time.
Why Your Claim May Take Time to Settle
There’s a lot of work on both the attorney’s and the insurance company’s sides when it comes to filing a wrongful death claim. An attorney must launch a full investigation into your loved one’s death which can take a few days to weeks depending on the accessibility to the decedent’s information. However, if the insurance company denies paying the amount requested, it can mean a setback for your case. If this disagreement continues, the chances of going to trial are high, which can take years to resolve.
Another situation that could extend the process of your case is if the defendant denies their liability in the victim’s death. This could prolong the attorney’s investigation by weeks, even or even months. During this time, an attorney may review medical records, toxicology reports, and even cell phone records to identify the role the defendant played in the victim’s death.
Tips On How to Navigate Through Your Case
One of the essential things to remember when going through the wrongful death process is that the timeline of your case may fluctuate depending on multiple factors. Your attorney will be as transparent as possible during this process, but be sure to go into this lawsuit with an open mind.
To ease the timeline, make sure to have all proper documents ready for your attorney. These documents could include the victim’s death certificate, autopsy report, and federal and state tax returns leading up to their death. Each attorney will ask for different paperwork depending on your unique situation, but having it readily available could ease the investigation process.
How our North Carolina attorneys can help you
At Lanier Law Group, P.A., our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with respectful and transparent representation during this challenging time. From discussing your legal options to helping you get the compensation you deserve, we are more than willing to fight for you. If you are in the North Carolina area and have a wrongful death case on your hands, give our office a call at (855) 757-4204 or fill out this free consultation form on our website.