When you’re recovering from an injury, waiting on your legal case to settle can feel frustrating and confusing. You might wonder, “Why is my personal injury lawyer taking so long to settle my case?” While it’s normal to feel impatient, there are often valid reasons why your personal injury case in Washington is taking time.
This article will explain the most common reasons for delays and what you can do to stay informed throughout the process.
You’re Still Receiving Medical Treatment
One of the biggest reasons for delay is ongoing medical treatment. Your lawyer needs a full picture of your injuries to estimate the value of your case. Settling too early—before treatment ends—could mean you receive less money than you deserve.
Your medical records, bills, and future treatment plans are all key pieces of evidence. Until you reach what’s called “maximum medical improvement” (MMI), your lawyer may recommend waiting. Your lawyer may delay settlement to ensure you get full compensation for all current and future medical needs.
Gathering and Reviewing Evidence Takes Time
A strong case needs strong evidence.
Your lawyer will gather:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos
- Expert opinions (like accident reconstruction or medical specialists)
Each of these steps takes time, especially when dealing with hospitals, insurance companies, or government agencies. In some cases, lawyers must send formal requests or even subpoenas to get the information needed.
The more complete the evidence, the stronger your case will be—leading to better chances of a higher settlement.
Insurance Companies Use Delay Tactics
Insurance companies don’t like to pay large settlements. One common strategy is to delay the process in hopes you’ll settle for less. They might “drag their feet” by not responding to calls or asking for unnecessary paperwork.
An experienced Washington personal injury lawyer knows how to deal with these tactics—but even with skillful pressure, it still takes time. Your lawyer may be pushing behind the scenes, but insurance companies often create delays on purpose.
Negotiations Are Ongoing
Many personal injury cases go through several rounds of negotiations. Your lawyer will send a demand letter with a settlement amount, and the insurance company often counters with a lower offer.
Back-and-forth talks can continue until both sides agree or decide to go to court. These negotiations require strategy. Your lawyer is working to get you the most money, not just the quickest result. A longer negotiation process often means your lawyer is fighting hard for your best interests.
Complex Legal Issues or High-Value Cases
Some cases are more complex than others. If your case involves multiple parties, disputed liability, or unclear evidence, it may take longer to sort out. High-dollar cases also take more time because insurance companies will be extra cautious before agreeing to a big payout.
In Washington, personal injury law includes several legal rules—like the “comparative negligence” rule—that can complicate things further. Complex cases or large claims often require more time to resolve properly and fairly.
The Case Might Go to Court
If negotiations break down, your lawyer might recommend filing a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean you’re going to trial right away—there are still opportunities to settle before the court date—but litigation takes time. Court schedules, pre-trial motions, depositions, and discovery (the exchange of evidence between both sides) all add months or even years to the timeline. Taking a case to court is time-consuming, but sometimes it’s the only way to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Seattle Personal Injury Lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer For More Help
Waiting on a personal injury settlement can be tough, especially when bills are piling up and recovery feels slow. But in most cases, your lawyer is working carefully behind the scenes to make sure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
In Washington, patience often pays off. The more complete the evidence and the more strategic the negotiations, the better your final result is likely to be. If you need help with your settlement, contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM