If you’re dealing with a bad-faith insurance claim and considering filing a lawsuit, you might wonder about the typical bad-faith lawsuit timeline and whether it’s worth your time and effort. If you’ve already filed a bad-faith lawsuit, understanding the bad-faith lawsuit timeline is also crucial to planning your next steps. At Arias & Abbass Your Attorneys, we’re not just tough advocates; we’re here to provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect.
The duration of each bad faith lawsuit largely depends on your case’s unique circumstances and the parties involved. Your district’s legal processes and how crowded the court dockets are also influence the timeline. Your attorneys may be able to resolve a straightforward bad faith insurance claim in a few months if the insurance company decides to settle. However, the process can stretch out for years if you have a complicated case or the insurance company digs in. Keep reading for a more specific breakdown.
What Is a Typical Insurance Bad Faith Lawsuit Timeline?
Here’s a big-picture view of the bad-faith lawsuit timeline:
Investigation and Demand
At Arias & Abbass, our attorneys will start your lawsuit by rolling up their sleeves and digging deep into your claim. Once we’ve built an iron-clad case, we’ll make a demand to the insurance company—a step that sends a clear message: settle fairly or brace for a fight. This stage usually takes between one and three months.
Filing the Lawsuit
If the insurance company doesn’t respond to the demand with a fair offer, we won’t hesitate. We’ll file a lawsuit, typically within a month after the demand period lapses.
Discovery
During the discovery phase, both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and gather evidence for trial. Generally, discovery takes between three and six months. However, at Arias & Abbass, we are bulldogs during this process, pushing to keep things moving swiftly.
Mediation and Negotiation
Sometimes, cases are settled before discovery. Often, cases settle during or after discovery before going to court. Either way, we’ll work to negotiate your best possible outcome, leveraging our insider knowledge from our days working for insurance companies. Mediation can last a day or a few days, while negotiation may stretch for several weeks.
Trial and Judgement
If we can’t settle, your case will go to trial. On average, trials take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, but this timeline varies depending on your case and the court’s schedule. Once the case reaches trial, it can take several days or weeks to present all the evidence, hear witness testimonies, and make legal arguments. After the trial concludes, it may take the judge some time to render a judgment.
Arias & Abbass Your Attorneys
At Arias & Abbass, we understand the importance of communication, fast results, and a personalized experience. While we can’t guarantee a specific timeline for your case, we’ll work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome in the shortest period possible. Your trust and peace of mind are our priorities. Plus, you won’t be in the dark guessing about timelines. We believe in direct communication, providing a personalized experience that larger firms often can’t offer. We’re tough, fast, and genuinely care about getting you the justice you deserve. Submit your case today for a free evaluation.
