How Long Will it Take to Settle My Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating. It can also take a toll on your finances, which is why some families accept the first settlement offer they get. In the aftermath of such a tragic loss, you may be wondering how long it takes to settle a wrongful death claim.
In this post, the skilled wrongful death lawyers of Zucker & Regev, P.C. look at the average duration of a wrongful death settlement. We’ll also go over the benefits of visiting our Brooklyn, NY, law office before you accept an initial insurance settlement.
The Average Length of a Wrongful Death Settlement
While the amount of time can vary, many wrongful death settlements are resolved within 1 to 4 years. Some settlements can take longer, but this is a typical estimate for the average wrongful death claim.
Factors that Affect Settlement Times
Some factors that may affect the length of a wrongful death settlement include:
- When the wrongful death claim was filed
- The circumstances of the fatal incident
- The parties involved in the wrongful death case
- The amount of paperwork that needs to be filed
Of course, wrongful death claims could be settled extremely quickly if a person accepts an initial settlement offer. However, it is not a good idea to settle your claim quickly without discussing your case with an attorney.
How a Settlement Is Paid Can Also Affect the Time
It should also be noted that how a settlement is paid out can affect the timeframe of the claim. A lump-sum payout settlement means the recipients receive compensation all at once. A structured settlement, by contrast, means continuous support and ongoing payments over time.
Why Some People Choose to Settle Early
Following a fatal auto accident or fatal mistake by a doctor or surgeon, a household could face steep debts for funeral costs, emergency medical services, and the loss of future income from their deceased loved one. Given this reality, some families may feel the need to accept an initial settlement quickly to cover immediate financial needs.
With the help of our skilled team of attorneys, you can negotiate a better settlement that will help cover immediate losses as well as the future needs of your household.
Should I Settle or Take My Case to Court?
While it’s tempting to accept a well-negotiated settlement offer, it could still be worthwhile to take your case to court instead. Damages are not guaranteed, but you may have compelling evidence that would convince a jury of your case. The damages received could be much greater than what’s offered in a pre-trial settlement.
Ultimately, we feel it’s crucial that you discuss your case with our wrongful death lawyers in Brooklyn before you accept any sort of settlement.
How a Wrongful Death Lawer Can Help
The attorneys at our law office in Brooklyn have practiced law for decades. They have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts during this time.
As part of the consultation process, they can evaluate your claim and let you know what steps you can take next. Our lawyers can help negotiate a better settlement than the initial offer and represent you in a civil trial to seek damages should your case warrant such an action.
Our lawyers will keep you on task and on time, offering peace of mind throughout the litigation process.
Contact Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Claim
For more information about your legal options after the loss of a loved one, we encourage you to contact our law firm today. Our team is proud to serve the people of Brooklyn and help them seek appropriate compensation to assist with the grieving process. You can also reach out to our law office by phone at (718) 624-1211.
