How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in New York?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: How long will my case take? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every personal injury case is different, but there are some key factors that can help you understand what to expect—and how to avoid unnecessary delays.

Average Timeline for a Personal Injury Case

In New York, personal injury cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Here’s a general breakdown:

Simple cases (clear fault, minimal injury): 4–8 months
Moderate cases (some disputes or medical treatment involved): 8–18 months
Complex cases (serious injury, multiple parties, or trial): 18+ months

The biggest variables usually include how severe the injuries are, how long medical treatment lasts, and whether the case goes to trial.

New to personal injury law? Our step-by-step injury guide breaks down what to expect and how to build a strong case. Explore the Personal Injury Claim Guide.

What Can Slow a Case Down?

Several factors can drag out a personal injury case:

Delays in medical treatment or recovery (you don’t want to settle until you know the full extent of your injuries)
Disputes over liability (especially if multiple parties are involved)
Insurance company tactics (low offers, slow responses, unnecessary paperwork)
Court backlog (especially in Nassau and Suffolk County)

A good attorney will help you stay ahead of these delays and push for progress without rushing into a low settlement.

Feeling stuck in your case? What to Do If You’re Unhappy With Your Personal Injury Lawyer.

Is Faster Always Better?

Not necessarily. It’s natural to want quick closure—especially if you’re missing work or facing medical bills—but rushing a settlement can leave money on the table.

You only get one shot at compensation. Settling too early, before your injuries are fully treated or diagnosed, may prevent you from recovering what you truly need.

An experienced attorney will help you strike the right balance: resolving your case efficiently, but without compromising your future.

How We Keep Cases Moving at Vlahadamis Law

We know the system, and we know the pressure clients feel to get answers. That’s why we:

Monitor medical treatment timelines and coordinate with providers
Keep pressure on insurers to respond promptly
Regularly update clients so they never feel left behind
Prepare every case as if it might go to trial—even if it settles

Why choose Vlahadamis Law?

Every case is different—but experience makes all the difference in how fast (and fairly) yours moves. Here’s why Long Island injury victims trust us to handle their timelines the right way.

Proactive Case Management

We coordinate with doctors, insurers, and the courts to keep your case moving forward.

Realistic Timelines, Honest Advice

We’ll never rush your claim or push a quick settlement just to close a file.

Local Court Experience

We know how things move in Suffolk, Nassau, and East End courts—and how to avoid common delays.