Don't Be the Bottleneck - Why Timely Resolution Matters

Personal injury cases are inherently stressful for clients. Whether it's from a car accident, slip-and-fall, or another type of injury, people are looking for closure and fair compensation. The longer the case drags on, the more frustrating it becomes for clients — even when the compensation amount remains the same.

Imagine this:

• You receive a $10,000 settlement offer for a personal injury case that occurred four months ago. Your medical bills are around $5,000. While not life-changing, the compensation feels reasonable and timely.

• Now imagine receiving that same $10,000 offer four years after the accident. Even if your medical bills were only $5,000, the satisfaction of receiving that settlement is severely diminished. Why? Because your life has been on hold for years, your injuries may not have healed as expected, and your financial and emotional stress has compounded over time.

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

Why Delays Matter More Than You Think

The passage of time significantly impacts how a settlement feels to a client. Someone who is still struggling with pain or limitations years after an accident is less likely to feel that any settlement amount is "worth it." Often, hope plays a major role — clients hope they will recover fully and resume their normal lives. When that doesn’t happen, frustration builds.

Additionally, lingering cases can affect clients’ financial well-being, emotional health, and ability to move forward. What once seemed like a fair offer can feel insulting if it arrives years too late.

Should Attorneys Rush Cases to Settlement?

Absolutely not. When a case is complex or involves significant injuries, it’s essential to take the time necessary to build a strong foundation. This can involve gathering expert testimony, compiling comprehensive medical records, or preparing for trial. Rushing such cases would be a disservice to the client and could result in a lower settlement or verdict than they deserve.

But Attorneys Shouldn’t Be the Bottleneck

While thorough preparation is crucial, procrastination and poor communication are inexcusable. If a client has completed medical treatment, the case should move forward. The attorney should not assume the client is still undergoing treatment if they haven’t checked in. Effective communication and a streamlined process are essential.

According to statistics, a typical personal injury case that settles pre-suit takes about 9 to 14 months in Minnesota. If it progresses to litigation, the process can take 1 to 3 years. However, if a case lingers for over 4 years, there is likely a problem in the process, unless it is a particularly complex litigated case.

Managing Expectations & Moving Forward

Attorneys owe it to their clients to be proactive. If your attorney has had a case on your desk for several years, ask yourself: Why? Is it truly complex, or is the firm’s process creating unnecessary delays?

Here’s what clients need from their attorneys:

• Clear Communication: Regular updates about their case status.

• Realistic Timelines: Honest assessments of how long the case will take.

• Efficiency: Taking action as soon as treatment is completed and the evidence is gathered.

  
  

The bottom line is simple: Don’t be the bottleneck. Clients want closure, healing, and the ability to move on. When attorneys allow cases to stagnate, it does a disservice to everyone involved.

If you're a personal injury client who feels your case has been dragging on too long, reach out to us. At Betz & Port, we prioritize efficiency, communication, and results. We’re here to help you move forward.