Posted on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 at 5:06 pm
After going through a deposition, you may be breathing a sigh of relief. The deposition process can be nerve-wracking. Although you may feel like the hard part is over, your case is still a work in progress. Several things still need to happen before you can reach a final settlement and recover the compensation you need.
What happens after deposition, and how can you prepare for what’s to come? The personal injury team at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP wants to take the mystery out of what’s ahead.
What Happens After the Deposition?
Generally, after the deposition is complete, the stenographer or court reporter will provide a written transcript of the session. You and your attorney and the liable party’s attorney will have the opportunity to review the deposition. Your attorney will review the transcript to be sure it is error-free and accurately represents the questions asked and answered. If your lawyer finds an error, they can request that the court reporter amend the transcript.
Once all depositions have been reviewed and investigations completed, the discovery phase concludes. Next, it is time for another round of negotiations. Insurers are not in the business of giving their profits away. The opposing attorney will try to settle a case for as little as possible. During this time, there may be some back and forth between your attorney and the liable party’s attorney. You and your attorney may reject offers, and the insurance company may make new counteroffers.
How Long After Deposition Is Mediation?
Mediation happens once the discovery phase of a case is over. Depending on the circumstances of your case, mediation can occur in a matter of weeks after the deposition. If more investigation or review of the facts is needed, mediation may not happen for several months after your deposition. If either attorney requests additional medical examinations or tests, waiting on the results may stretch the time between your deposition and mediation. There is no specific timeframe, and it is never wise to rush the process.
Once each side is satisfied they have the information they need, negotiations can continue. If negotiations break down and a settlement cannot be agreed upon, mediation may be the next step.
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that allows the parties to avoid going to trial. In mediation, both parties meet with a neutral third party. This third party helps to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts. A legally binding arrangement is made in cases where each party can agree to settlement terms. In some cases, mediation does not resolve a dispute. If that occurs, your case may head to trial.
How Long After Deposition Is Settlement?
There is no specific timetable for settlement following a deposition. The discovery process is just that, a process. It takes time to investigate the circumstances of an accident and review all the evidence. Depending on the complexity of a case, it can take months or a year to conclude the discovery process. Once completed, negotiations or mediation can begin. These legal processes may add additional weeks or even months to the settlement timeframe.
If your case goes to trial, expect even more time to pass before you receive compensation for your injuries. Although the legal process can sometimes feel frustratingly slow, it is vital to remember that patience is a virtue. What do we mean by that? We mean settling for a speedy settlement offer is seldom in your best interest. Insurance companies are eager to get you to settle quickly because their early offers are almost always lowball offers. Quick resolutions and settlements sometimes mean you are not getting the full and fair compensation you deserve.
An experienced personal injury attorney should be able to assess your situation following the deposition and give you an idea of how much time they think it will take to settle. Your case is unlike any other. Details specific to your situation will determine how long it may take to finalize a settlement so you can recover the money you need to move forward with your life.
Get in Touch with a Skilled Alabama Personal Injury Attorney Today
For over 25 years, the legal team with Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has been helping those injured in accidents seek the compensation they deserve. We are committed to helping you understand the legal process and providing personalized legal advice. Let us work to recover the money you need to compensate you for your financial losses.
Hurt in an accident caused by another’s wrongdoing? Call our Birmingham personal injury attorneys at (205) 324-1212 to set up a free and confidential consultation.
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