When deciding to pursue a personal injury claim, two of the most common questions are, “How long will my case take?” and “How will I handle my bills while waiting for a settlement?” We understand why you feel the need to know this. The season after an accident can be extremely stressful and full of unknowns. We are here to help! Let’s look at some factors that can affect the length of your case and how you can manage your costs while you are waiting for a settlement.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
Waiting for your settlement can feel daunting when medical bills are piling up. You’re wondering how long this will be your new reality! We understand. Unfortunately, because each personal injury case is unique, there is no simple solution to this question. The length of your case will largely depend on various factors. One is the complexity of your case—for example, a slip and fall vs. medical malpractice case. A few other factors include the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved, the amount of damages, and the opposing party’s willingness to settle.
From the time your complaint is filed until the date it is settled, a case could take anywhere from a few weeks up to a year, and in more complex cases, a personal injury lawsuit can take two to three years to settle. That is why it’s crucial to find and hire an experienced attorney to represent your case.
How Do I Manage My Bills While Waiting For My Settlement?
Unfortunately, everyday bills don’t just stop when you’ve been injured in an accident (Wouldn’t that be nice?) However, there are some things you can do to help release some of the financial burdens while you wait for your settlement:
- Prioritize your essential bills and living expenses such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, and prescriptions.
- Temporarily eliminate non-essential bills like streaming services, gym subscriptions, and specialty subscriptions. (We know this is hard, but you can do it!)
- Call your credit card and insurance companies—you may be able to delay or eliminate payments while you wait for your case to be resolved.
With all of that being said, if you and your family are having a hard time paying for your essential expenses, talk to your attorney—they may be able to work with you and help you come up with a plan to alleviate some of the financial pressure.
Conclusion
If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contacting a capable attorney is the best way to ensure your case gets settled quickly. Here at the Hammack Law Firm, we are confident in our ability to help you get back on your feet through litigation and individualized attention to your claim. Call us today at (864) 766-7108. We are here to serve you!
With over 25 years of legal experience, Paul Hammack provides his clients with a level of trial expertise and strategic insight rarely found in personal injury litigation. Having spent the first eight years of his career working within major insurance defense firms across Georgia and South Carolina, Paul gained an intimate understanding of the “other side’s” playbook. This insurance industry background serves as a unique differentiator for his clients; he knows exactly how insurance carriers evaluate risk and what motivates them to pay top dollar for a claim.
In 2008, Paul founded Hammack Law Firm to move away from the “plaintiff mill” model and focus on building personal relationships with those he represents. As a seasoned litigator, he has tried dozens of first-chair cases to verdict, specializing in high-stakes litigation involving catastrophic injuries and complex truck accidents. His dual-state practice allows him to provide aggressive representation across both South Carolina and Georgia, ensuring victims of negligence receive the maximum financial compensation possible regardless of which side of the state line the accident occurred.
Paul’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his record of significant achievements, including a $10 million tractor-trailer wrongful death settlement and a $3.9 million moped-versus-truck recovery. His credentials and bar admissions in both South Carolina and Georgia underscore his deep roots in the regional legal community. Beyond the courtroom, Paul is a dedicated advocate for his local community, contributing his time and resources to organizations such as the United Way, Red Cross, and Hands On Greenville, all while working to make South Carolina a safer place for everyone.
