How long does a personal injury settlement take in the US?
Simple cases settle in 3–12 months. Complex cases with disputed liability or serious injuries take 1–3 years. Cases that go to trial average 3–5 years from injury to verdict. Pre-suit settlement is almost always faster and less expensive than litigation.
What percentage do PI attorneys take?
US personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency: 33% if the case settles before filing, 40% if it goes to trial. Some high-value or complex cases may have different arrangements. Disbursements (filing fees, expert costs, medical record retrieval) are additional and are deducted from the settlement.
What is a subrogation lien?
If your health insurance or auto insurer paid your medical bills, they have a right of subrogation — a legal claim to be repaid from your PI settlement. Medicare and Medicaid liens must be satisfied. Negotiating liens is an important part of maximizing your net settlement and should be handled by your attorney.