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How Long Does a Settlement Take After a Demand Letter?

For people who have experienced personal injury, medical bills and other expenses can add up. If you face increasing medical bills or have lost wages due to missing work, you may wonder how long it will take to receive a settlement to compensate you for your injuries after sending an initial demand letter.

The time it takes to receive a settlement after sending a demand letter varies depending on your case. To better understand the process of acquiring a settlement and its timeline, contact a Green Bay personal injury lawyer at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers to discuss your case.

What is a Demand Letter?

A demand letter is typically the starting point for negotiating a settlement after a personal injury accident. It is a professional courtesy that can speed up the settlement process and avoid costly and lengthy litigation.

While you can write it yourself, it is much better to have a legal professional write the demand letter for you. A qualified lawyer with Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can craft a demand letter that spurs the insurance agency into action by suggesting legal action if they do not comply. Most insurance agencies want to avoid going to trial, so a well-written demand letter from an attorney can help resolve your case swiftly.

Usually, a demand letter includes the following information:

  • The cause of your injury
  • The severity of your injury
  • The adverse impact of the injury on your life
  • A detailed list of all medical treatments and costs associated with your injury
  • Amount of salary or wages lost due to your injury
  • Direct evidence noting who is liable for your injury and why
  • The amount of money you feel is just and right for a settlement

You must provide as much documentation and information as possible to your lawyer so that they can include it in the demand letter. An effective demand letter contains precisely documented information that convinces the insurance company to pay you a fair settlement to stay out of court.

Settlement Timeline After Sending a Demand Letter

No set timeline exists to receive your settlement after sending a demand letter. However, factors like the insurance company’s workload, the circumstances of your claim, and the settlement amount can affect your settlement timeframe.

Additional factors that affect the timeline of a settlement are:

  • The amount of evidence associated with your case
  • The compensation requested in your settlement
  • The number of people involved in the claim
  • The internal organization and efficiency of the insurance agency

The timeline for obtaining your settlement varies for many reasons, most of which are out of your control. However, a demand letter written by a lawyer usually contains deadlines and a specifically worded plan of action should the insurance agency fail to act in time. A demand letter can expedite the settlement process, as most agencies take the possibility of litigation seriously.

Speak with your personal injury attorney at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers to learn which factors may affect your case and receive a loosely estimated timeline for receiving your settlement.

What to Do if My Settlement is Delayed

If your settlement seems delayed, speak to a lawyer about your options. Usually, your lawyer includes a deadline for the insurance agency to act on your requests in the demand letter. Should the insurance agency fail to do so, you can begin the steps to take your settlement through the legal system.

Your lawyer can also point you toward resources that might help you deal with your medical or living expenses while awaiting your settlement. They guide you through the process and help you avoid potentially predatory services that promise to help you, only to take a large portion of your settlement when it arrives.

Settlement vs. Going to Trial

If the insurance company fails to respond to the demand letter or counter offers with a non-satisfactory amount, you and your legal team can take the case to trial. Obtaining damages through the legal system is a lengthy process but may be necessary if the insurance agency is not cooperating.

Your lawyer can advise you on your options and outline the benefits and setbacks of going to trial. You can decide whether going to court and waiting for compensation is preferable to negotiating a settlement outside the legal system. Always speak with your personal injury lawyer before making any settlement-related decisions to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.

Having an Attorney Can Help

Receiving a settlement for injuries incurred in a personal injury accident can help you get back on track and pay off medical and other expenses. To ensure you obtain the settlement you deserve, speak to the personal injury lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers.

Our attorneys can provide you with legal guidance and support while waiting for your settlement and help you obtain a fair offer to rebuild your life after your accident. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.

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