Why Is My New York City Personal Injury Case Taking So Long to Settle?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York City, waiting for your personal injury case to settle can feel overwhelming—especially when you need compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we understand the challenges NYC injury victims face navigating complex legal processes and insurance companies.

Every personal injury case is unique, and settlement timelines vary. Below, we explain the most common reasons why personal injury cases take so long to resolve in New York City—and how our experienced NYC personal injury lawyers fight to speed up your case and maximize your settlement.

Common Reasons Personal Injury Cases Take a Long Time in New York City

1. Ongoing Medical Treatment and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

In NYC personal injury claims, your case generally cannot settle until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—meaning your injuries have stabilized and future medical needs are clear. Settling before MMI may leave you without enough compensation for ongoing treatments, surgeries, or long-term care.

2. Disputes Over Liability and Fault

Determining fault is often complicated in New York City accidents—whether it’s a car crash in Manhattan, a slip and fall in Brooklyn, or a construction injury in Queens. Insurance companies frequently dispute liability to avoid paying fair settlements. Our NYC attorneys investigate thoroughly by gathering:

• Police and accident reports from NYPD or NYC agencies
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Expert accident reconstruction analyses

Resolving liability disputes takes time but is essential for winning your case.

3. Insurance Company Delay Tactics

New York insurance companies often use stalling tactics to wear down injury victims, such as:

• Repeated requests for documentation
• Delaying responses to settlement demands
• Offering lowball settlements
• Disputing injury severity or pre-existing conditions

Our NYC injury lawyers know how to counter these tactics and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

4. Complex Cases and Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, or permanent disability require detailed expert evaluations and future cost projections. Cases involving multiple defendants or large insurance policies—common in NYC—also add complexity and time.

5. Delays in Obtaining Medical Records and Evidence

Hospitals, clinics, and employers in New York City may take weeks or months to provide complete medical records or employment information. This can delay your claim, but we work tirelessly to expedite document collection.

6. Litigation and Court Backlogs in New York City

If negotiations fail, your case may go to trial in NYC courts. Unfortunately, courts here are often overloaded, causing scheduling delays and postponements. Most cases still settle before trial, but preparing for litigation requires significant time.

7. Post-Settlement Issues Like Medical Liens (Subrogation)

After settlement, New York health insurers, Medicare, or Medicaid may file liens seeking repayment for medical expenses. Resolving these can delay final payment, but our attorneys strive to minimize their impact on your recovery.

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

On average, NYC personal injury cases settle within 6 to 18 months, but cases involving severe injuries, multiple parties, or lawsuits can take longer—sometimes years. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we keep you informed at every step so you know what to expect.

What NYC Injury Victims Can Do to Protect Their Case

• Follow your medical treatment plan carefully
• Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses
• Respond promptly to your attorney’s requests
• Avoid posting details about your case on social media
• Stay in regular contact with your NYC personal injury lawyer

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for Your NYC Personal Injury Case?

Serving New Yorkers across Manhattan, Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, Nassau County, and beyond, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP offers:

• A trusted Harlem-based NYC law office for local convenience
• No fees unless we win your case—our Fee Guarantee
• Bilingual legal services to serve NYC’s diverse communities
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews from satisfied NYC clients
• Experienced trial attorneys who fight insurance companies aggressively
• Award-winning lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers

Don’t Let Delays Cost You. Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Today.

If your NYC personal injury case is taking too long or if you need help navigating insurance company tactics, call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

Protect your rights. Get the compensation you deserve. Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP—New York City’s trusted personal injury law firm.