There are instances when filing a civil lawsuit is the most viable way to ensure that you are well compensated for the troubles that an unfortunate scenario may have brought upon you. For example, you may have been involved in a car accident due to another party’s negligence. This may have entailed the need for you to file a personal injury case for you to claim proper and due compensation.
The good news is that if you have the necessary evidence to support your case and you are working with a seasoned lawyer representing you in court, then there is a great chance for you to win and even maximize your compensation.
The bad news is that no one knows for sure when the ruling of your case will be out.
So, How Long Does a Legal Case Take?
The answer is that depends on various factors. If you are fortunate enough, you may find your case resolved within a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if luck is not on your side, your case could even take five years. But generally speaking, a civil lawsuit typically runs anywhere from one to three years before a ruling is made and the case is closed.
Factors Affecting the Duration of a Legal Case
- Case Complexity
One of the primary factors affecting the duration of a legal case is its complexity. For instance, a rear-end collision in a vehicular mishap can be resolved immediately, particularly if the documents and details are easily accessible. For a slip and fall personal injury case, however, the resolution may take longer because it can be more difficult to obtain records that can serve as evidence for the case. A civil lawsuit can even take longer when there is a dispute about the facts or who is at fault.
- Court Calendar
Another factor affecting the duration of a legal case is the court calendar. This is because there are only a number of days allocated for courts to hear cases, which means that the calendar of a judge can fill up easily. This is the reason why civil court trials only happen after a year or more after it has been filed.
- Lawsuit Process
Even the lawsuit process contributes to the duration of a legal case. The lawsuit process consists of several steps, and each of these steps takes time to complete, which usually runs for days and sometimes even months. For instance, once a lawsuit is filed, the defendant is given 20 to 30 days to answer the complainant.
The duration of a legal case varies from one jurisdiction to another, such that there is a slim chance that even two very similar cases will be resolved within the same time frame. This is because of the various factors that affect the length of time that a legal case takes. Rest assured that if you are on the right side of the law, there will come a time that the stars will align for the court to rule in your favor.
