How Long Will It Take to Receive My Personal Injury Payout in New York?

If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence, you may be dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your financial future. One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is: “How long will it take to receive my personal injury settlement?”

The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether your case goes to trial. Some claims settle in a few months, while others can take over a year to resolve. At our New York personal injury law firm, we fight to win your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What Affects the Timeline of a Personal Injury Settlement?

Each personal injury case is unique, but several common factors can influence how long it takes to receive a settlement.

1. The Severity of Your Injuries

The more serious your injuries, the longer it may take to settle your case. This is because:

• Your medical treatment needs to be thoroughly evaluated before determining the cost of current and future care.
• Insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injuries, requiring additional documentation.
• If long-term rehabilitation or permanent disability is involved, expert opinions may be needed to calculate fair compensation.

2. Liability and Disputes Over Fault

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to lower their payout. If there is any dispute about who is responsible for your injuries, it can delay negotiations.

To speed up this process, we gather strong evidence — including accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony — to build a clear case for liability.

3. Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out large settlements quickly. Actually, they see it as their job to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. Some common delay tactics include:

• Offering low initial settlements in hopes that you’ll accept out of desperation.
• Requesting excessive documentation or unnecessary medical examinations.
• Prolonging negotiations to wear down claimants and push for lower payouts.

Our experienced lawyers have dealt with these tricks and tactics for decades and know how to get around and counter them. We fight aggressively to keep your case moving forward while securing maximum compensation.

4. Whether Your Case Goes to Litigation and Trial

Many personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.

A lawsuit can extend the timeline due to:

• Pre-trial motions and discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and gather expert opinions.
• Court scheduling delays: The legal system can be slow and may take months to set a trial date.
• Potential appeals: Even after a court verdict, the defense may attempt to appeal, further delaying payment.

While litigation can take longer, it may be the best option for securing the full compensation you deserve. Our firm prepares every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we have the strongest position in negotiations.

Typical Timelines for Personal Injury Payouts in New York

While no two cases are exactly the same, here’s a general timeline for personal injury settlements:

Settlements can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly.

How to Speed Up Your Personal Injury Settlement

While some delays are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help move your case along more efficiently:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Prompt medical treatment ensures your well-being and creates a clear medical record of your injuries, strengthening your case.

2. Gather and Preserve Evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, obtain witness contact information, and keep all medical bills and records. The more evidence available, the faster your attorney can build your claim.

3. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may try to twist your words to minimize your claim. Always speak with our attorneys before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster. And never agree to a recorded statement without first having one of our skilled lawyers present. We’ll make sure things are done correctly and that the insurance company will treat you fairly.

4. Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating the legal process alone can result in unnecessary delays and a lower settlement offer. An attorney can handle negotiations, push back against insurance tactics, and expedite the claims process while ensuring you receive full compensation.

We Know How to Win! Get a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you start the claims process, the sooner you can receive the compensation you need.

Call Fellows Hymowitz Rice today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the maximum payout as quickly as possible.