Average Settlement Time for Personal Injury Cases: 2025 Updated Data
We analyzed average settlement times for personal injury cases in 2025 to understand how long victims can typically expect the process to take from start to finish. Based on our research, settlement timelines range from 1 year to over 5 years.
This timeline varies significantly depending on factors like the severity of injuries, the length of medical treatment, and the clarity of liability.
In this report, you’ll find data on the:
- Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Injuries Sustained
- Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Case Complexity
- Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Liability
Disclosure: The settlement time frames and case outcome information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. All data has been compiled from publicly available sources, industry research, and third-party reporting. This information is not based on the outcomes of cases handled by our firm and should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any specific result in your case.
Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Injuries Sustained
The following table breaks down the most common injury types that personal injury victims suffer from and compiles the level of impact it has, and the average settlement time for each:
| Injuries | Impact on Settlement Time | Average Settlement Time (Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts, Lacerations & Burns | Low to Moderate | 10 – 13.5 Months |
| Broken Bones & Fractures | Moderate | 12 – 16 Months |
| Loss of Limb / Amputation | High | 12 – 24 Months |
| Back & Spinal Cord Injuries | High | 27 – 36 Months |
| Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) | Very High | 33 – 48+ Months |
The data shows that more severe injuries typically lead to longer settlement timelines. We also found a strong correlation between case complexity and settlement duration; more complex cases tend to take significantly longer to resolve.
Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Case Complexity
This dataset outlines key factors that affect the complexity of personal injury lawsuits and how each one influences the time it takes to reach a settlement.
| Case Complexities | Average Impact on Settlement Time | Average Settlement Time (Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Parties | Moderate | 12 – 24 Months |
| Insurance Company Cooperation | Moderate | 12 – 24 Months |
| Commercial Vehicles | Moderate | 12 – 24 Months |
| Insufficient Evidence | Moderate to High | 24 – 36 Months |
| Ongoing Medical Treatment | High | 24 – 36 Months |
| Case Going to Trial | Very High | 24 – 60+ Months |
Often, cases are held until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is reached, which explains why cases that have ongoing medical treatment take far longer than those that don’t.
In addition, as to be expected, cases that go to trial take, on average, 2-3x longer to reach settlement than those that don’t, due to the additional time cases take moving through the legal system and any accompanying delays.
Average Personal Injury Settlement Time by Liability
Beyond the type of accident and severity of injuries, liability plays a major role in how long it takes to receive a settlement. Determining who is fully or partially at fault often requires a detailed investigation, and in some cases, may lead to a trial, adding significant time to the process.
This is evident as seen in the data in the table below:
| Liability | Description | Impact on Settlement Time | Average Settlement Time (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Liability | Evidence clearly shows who is responsible | Low | 6 – 12 Months |
| Shared Liability | Both parties are partially at fault | Moderate | 12 – 24 Months |
| Disputed Liability | Parties disagree about who is at fault and there’s no evidence available to prove either way | High | 24 – 36 Months |
| Trial Required to Determine Liability | Parties disagree on fault and trial is required to determine liability | Very High | 24 – 60+ Months |
Best Legal Services for Personal Injury Victims
Choosing a personal injury attorney who has years of experience fighting for accident victims ensures that your case is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. Eric Richman, Esq. knows how your life can change in an instant after an accident, and for that reason, has dedicated his work to advocating and fighting for accident victims.
Are you in need of a highly experienced personal injury attorney? We’re ready to help. Call us at (800) 801-9655 or request a free consultation online.