When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you expect your personal injury case to move quickly so you can recover compensation and move forward. However, personal injury cases in Missouri don’t always proceed as smoothly or swiftly as victims hope. There are many factors—both predictable and unexpected—that can delay a case, from evidence collection and medical treatment to insurance negotiations and court scheduling.
At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we help clients throughout Missouri navigate these challenges while keeping their cases on track. Understanding what causes delays can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions throughout the claims process.
Common Reasons for Delays in Missouri Personal Injury Cases
Even when a case seems straightforward, several issues can arise that slow progress. Below are some of the most common causes of unexpected delays.
Ongoing Medical Treatment
Before your attorney can accurately calculate the value of your claim, your medical treatment must be completed—or at least reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). If you are still undergoing treatment, your full damages (including future medical expenses and long-term limitations) cannot be determined. Waiting for a complete medical picture helps ensure you receive fair compensation, but it also means the case may take longer to resolve.
Disputes Over Liability
In some cases, the at-fault party or their insurance company may deny responsibility for your injuries. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation can be reduced based on each party’s percentage of fault. Disagreements about liability can lead to drawn-out investigations, additional evidence gathering, and even expert testimony—all of which take time to prepare.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often delay settlement negotiations to pressure victims into accepting lower offers. Adjusters may request additional documentation, dispute the severity of injuries, or drag out communication. This tactic is especially common in cases with significant damages or complex liability. Working with an experienced Missouri personal injury lawyer helps counter these delay tactics and keeps negotiations moving.
Court Backlogs and Scheduling Conflicts
If your case proceeds to litigation, Missouri’s court system can sometimes contribute to delays. Courts in busy counties, like St. Louis or Jackson County, often have congested dockets, meaning hearings and trials may not be scheduled for months. Additionally, delays can arise from the court’s schedule, attorney availability, or procedural motions filed by the defense.
Discovery and Evidence Gathering
The discovery phase—where both sides exchange information, documents, and witness statements—is critical to building a strong case. However, it’s also one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. Depositions, medical records requests, and expert analyses can all take weeks or months to complete, particularly if one party fails to cooperate promptly.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in Missouri?
Every case is unique, and timelines vary widely. A simple car accident with clear liability may resolve within a few months through settlement negotiations. However, more complex cases involving severe injuries, multiple defendants, or disputed liability can take a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
Generally speaking, most Missouri personal injury cases take between 6 months to 2 years to reach resolution. The key to minimizing delays is proactive case management—something Bishop & Hayes P.C. prioritizes from the start of every claim.
How Bishop & Hayes P.C. Helps Minimize Delays
While some delays are unavoidable, many can be reduced with diligent representation and strong communication. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., our team takes several steps to keep your case progressing efficiently:
- Thorough Case Preparation: We gather evidence quickly and work closely with investigators, medical professionals, and experts to build your claim.
- Regular Communication: We keep you informed at every stage so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We push back against insurance company stalling tactics to pursue fair, timely settlements.
- Trial Readiness: By preparing each case as if it will go to trial, we maintain leverage during settlement talks and ensure no time is wasted if litigation is required.
What You Can Do to Help Avoid Delays
As the client, you can also play an important role in keeping your case on schedule. Here’s how:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all medical appointments.
- Provide documents and information to your attorney promptly.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies directly without legal counsel.
- Stay patient and trust the process, especially if your attorney advises waiting for a better settlement offer.
Get Guidance from a Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer
Unexpected delays in personal injury cases can be frustrating, but with the right legal representation, they don’t have to derail your recovery. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we understand the challenges Missouri injury victims face and work tirelessly to move cases forward while protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.
If your case seems stalled—or you’re just starting the claims process—our team is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your claim efficiently and effectively.