Personal injury claims can involve a long and complex process, and there are many factors that can contribute to delays. In Australia, personal injury claims may include motor vehicle accidents, public liability claims, and medical negligence claims.
One reason why personal injury claims can take a long time is that they often involve complex legal and factual issues. For example, medical negligence claims require a thorough investigation into the healthcare provider's actions, as well as an assessment of the harm caused to the patient. This can involve obtaining medical records, consulting with medical experts, and conducting extensive legal research.
Another factor that can contribute to delays is the need to gather evidence. Personal injury claims often require a significant amount of evidence, including medical reports and expert opinions. Gathering this evidence can take time, especially if experts are difficult to locate or if medical reports take a long time to obtain.
In addition, personal injury claims often involve negotiations with insurance companies. Insurance companies are likely to have their own processes and procedure to follow and may engage in protracted negotiations or litigation. This can significantly prolong the claims process and may require the involvement of other legal professionals, such as barristers, to resolve or litigate the matter.
Finally, court delays can also contribute to the length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim.
Overall, personal injury claims can take a long time to resolve due to a range of factors, including legal and factual complexity, the need to gather evidence, negotiations with insurance companies, and court delays. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have suffered a personal injury, as a lawyer who specialises in personal injury claims can help you to navigate the claims process and can advise you on your legal options.