Time Required to Resolve a Malpractice Claim

When a person turns to the legal system for help with their medical malpractice claim, they need to understand that a significant amount of time may pass before they see any sort of compensation. The legal system is not a particularly fast solution for financial assistance after an injury, but it may be a way for victims of medical mistakes to see justice served and receive some compensation for their injuries.

Cases involving medical malpractice may be resolved either through full litigation, eventually taking the case to court, or they may be settled with an out-of-court agreement between parties. Either of these solutions will close a case permanently. However, out-of-court settlements may reduce the overall time involved in a malpractice case.

A 2006 study out of the New England Journal of Medicine found that the average length for a medical malpractice lawsuit, measured from the time of a person’s injury to their eventual claim resolution, could be as long as five years. In one-third of these cases, an injured patient may be expected to wait six or more years. These cases are resolved eventually, but may drag on far longer than a patient may be willing to wait. In these situations, settling can become a viable option.

If you or someone you love has been injured because of a negligent medical professional, there may be legal action available. Compensation can drastically improve a patient’s financial stability, providing them with real coverage for their treatment and work-loss expenses. For more information regarding your options when considering a filing a medical malpractice claim, contact a personal injury lawyer today.