How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

Weeks, months, even years! How long does a personal injury case really take? Partner Sarah Naiman explains what to expect.

Typically, the answer you’re going to get from any lawyer is “it depends”. But if you wanted an average, without knowing a ton about the case, I would say anywhere from three to five years is normal.

Often, when we get a file and things are relatively straightforward, we have a lot of success in settling the file before the two-year mark period. If we’re not able to do that, three to five years is generally a good time to figure out how your injuries are going to resolve, if at all, and what the potential complications in the file are. In the event there are complications, they can take anywhere from eight to nine, or even ten years, in a worst-case scenario.

Why do personal injury cases take so long?

In Ontario, when it comes to motor vehicle claims, in order to even commence a claim, you have to show that your injuries are both permanent and serious. The last thing you want to do is shortchange yourself by getting an early settlement and not understanding the potential repercussions of your injuries down the road.

On the flip side, the insurance company is usually not going to agree to a settlement within the first couple of months after an incident because they are going to want to see how your injuries progress and what kind of treatment you need and if there’s a potential for resolution.

Contact Thomson Rogers LLP for a consultation

Whether or not your case can be settled before the two-year mark, between three to five years, or even all the way up to ten, Thomson Rogers LLP will be interested in speaking to you about your matter.

Sarah Naiman is a Personal Injury Partner at Thomson Rogers LLP. She has experience in working with clients who have suffered from motor vehicle collisions, slip/trip and falls, assaults and dog attacks. You can reach Sarah at 416-868-3173 or by email.