How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take to Settle in Missouri? 2025

By Zane T. Cagle | November 22, 2024 | Personal Injury

Personal injury cases address many types of injuries due to negligence including car accidents, property hazards, or   defective products. These cases allow individuals to seek financial compensation for their injuries. When people are facing the potential of a personal injury case, many ask, “How long does a personal injury lawsuit take to settle in Missouri?” There is no clear answer to this because every case is different.

While every unique case will have its own timeline, it can help to understand the factors that can make a case take longer or be resolved faster. Some people believe that the ideal case is resolved quickly, but this is not the case.

When your case takes time to resolve, it typically means you have a skilled personal injury attorney who is working for your financial interests to secure the most compensation possible. A case that is resolved quickly may leave you with unrecovered financial losses.

What Factors Affect How Long a Case Takes?

There are several reasons why some cases take longer than others, including:

• Severe injuries. More serious injuries result in higher medical bills and costs, which may take longer to secure. Insurance companies do not want to pay the full cost of your injuries, even when they are serious. Severe injuries also take longer to heal, and it is better for your case to wait until you have the best calculation of what the long-term impact will be.
• Complex case type. There are various types of personal injury cases, and some are often more complicated than others. Truck accidents, for example, deal with commercial insurance carriers, severe injuries, and numerous potentially liable parties. Each of these elements complicates the process and can make it take longer.
• Multiple liable parties. When there are several individuals or entities partially liable for your injuries, then you could pursue portions of compensation from each of them. This complicates the case and means you must resolve compensation with each insurer, but it may also often improve your financial recovery.
• Commercial insurance carrier. A commercial carrier involves higher policy limits. Anytime an insurance carrier is vulnerable to higher payouts, they involve expert defense attorney to limit their costs. Negotiating or arguing against these insurers is more complicated.
• Contested fault. If it is not clear who is at fault for your injuries, this can make it take longer to investigate and determine which insurer can be held liable. It can also make negotiations with the insurer harder, as they may try to argue that they should not be liable. Evidence that supports fault is crucial to create a stronger case.
• Trial. Not all cases are settled outside of court. Trial cases may take longer than settlements, as they require court dates and more complex issues. At the same time, an insurance carrier may not be willing to offer a reasonable amount forcing you and your attorney to litigate. You want to work with an attorney who prepares their cases for trial and is ready to advocate for your interests.

How Legal Representation Can Help

Working with a personal injury attorney doesn’t resolve your case faster, but it does allow you to focus on your physical recovery while your case is in the hands of an experienced attorney. An attorney investigates the case with resources you likely don’t have access to and has substantial experience dealing with all types of insurance carriers. This experience makes the case less stressful for you and can improve your chances of a full financial recovery.

FAQs

How Long Do Most Personal Injury Cases Take to Settle?

The amount of time a personal injury case takes to settle ranges significantly because every case is unique. Some factors influencing the timeline include the complexity of the case, whether fault is clear, the extent of the injuries suffered, whether you have legal representation, and whether you settle the case or litigate it.

Remember that it is often not in your interests to secure a speedy settlement. A longer case may mean you can recover more of your losses.

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Case in Missouri?

Insurance companies are required by Missouri law to settle a case promptly. Unfortunately, there is no exact deadline specified, leading many insurance companies to abuse the meaning of “prompt.” An insurer must inform you, however, whether your case is being accepted or denied within 15 days of having all the relevant information.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Personal Injury Settlement in Missouri?

You may have to pay taxes on some portions of a personal injury settlement in Missouri. A personal injury settlement or verdict exists to compensate you for a loss, which is not in itself taxable. The cost of your current and future medical bills is not taxed, as the settlement makes up for a loss that was not your fault.

However, when a personal injury settlement also recovers income you should have earned, this is taxable, as it would have been taxed if you’d earned the income at work. Consult your attorney on the specifics of taxable compensation.

How Much Are Most Personal Injury Settlements?

The value of a personal injury settlement relies on your unique injuries and other losses. It also relies on:

• The type of personal injury case.
• How long your injuries are anticipated to affect your life.
• Whether you are working with experienced legal representation or not.
• How much evidence supports fault and documents your injuries.
• If you can continue working or not.
• Whether the case goes to trial or not.
• If you are found to be partially liable.

Protect Your Financial Future With The Cagle Law Firm

The Cagle Law Firm has decades of experience in numerous types of personal injury cases. We know that resolving a case quickly is rarely in your interest. We negotiate and advocate for you in discussions or in trial to secure the maximum compensation possible to cover your medical bills and other losses caused by your injuries. We take into account the complexities of your case, and we help you understand a likely timeline for your unique circumstances. Contact The Cagle Law Firm today.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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