Key Takeaways from Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers
- A settlement is not guaranteed immediately after a deposition.
- The typical wait time post-deposition ranges from a few weeks to several months.
- Factors like insurance negotiations, medical records, and court scheduling impact delays.
- Texas law doesn’t impose a strict deadline for insurance settlements post-deposition.
- A personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth can help speed up the process.
You’ve just finished your deposition, answered countless questions under oath, and now you’re wondering—what happens next? How much longer until the check arrives? It’s one of the most common (and most frustrating) questions injury victims ask after taking that critical step in a personal injury case.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients get a call from their personal injury attorney with a settlement offer a few days after the deposition. Others may wait months. While that uncertainty can feel overwhelming, understanding what happens behind the scenes—and why the process takes time—can help put you in a better position to make informed decisions.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of clients navigate this waiting game. If you’re feeling anxious about timelines and next steps, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help shed light on what comes after a deposition and how to speed things up.
What Happens After a Deposition in a Personal Injury Case?
A deposition is a Q & A session where both sides gather sworn testimony. It’s used to clarify the facts of the case and lock in statements for trial. Once it’s done, several things may happen behind the scenes that affect how soon your case settles.
Review of Testimony
After the deposition, both legal teams analyze the responses. Insurance companies will assess the credibility of your statements, how consistent your story is, and whether there’s any liability exposure on their end. If your deposition goes well and you come across as truthful and consistent, this could encourage them to offer a settlement sooner.
Ongoing Negotiations
Depositions often mark a turning point in negotiations. They give both sides more clarity about how the case might play out at trial. If the deposition strengthens your position, the defendant’s team may want to settle to avoid a costly court battle. However, settlement talks might stall if more information is needed, like updated medical records or witness statements.
Medical Record Finalization
In many personal injury claims, especially those involving ongoing treatment, updated medical records must be gathered before final numbers can be negotiated. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.0105, a plaintiff can only recover medical expenses that have been paid or are still owed—not inflated amounts billed by providers. That means accurate, current records are essential before a settlement offer can be calculated.
Insurance Company Review
Even if negotiations progress, the insurance company may still need approval from internal adjusters, supervisors, or legal departments. This step can add several weeks, especially if the company is large or cautious about liability.
Average Timeline: When Can You Expect a Settlement?
While there’s no set timeline, most Texas personal injury settlements occur within 6 weeks to 6 months after a deposition. A few variables that affect this timeline include:
- Severity of your injuries and ongoing treatment
- Complexity of liability
- Insurance company responsiveness
- Court backlogs (if a trial date is already scheduled)
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the insurer has 15 days to acknowledge a claim and 15 business days to approve or deny it once all information is received. But “all information received” is key—if records are missing or treatment is ongoing, the clock hasn’t started.
What Can Delay Your Settlement After a Deposition?
Unfinished Medical Treatment
If you’re still undergoing care, your Fort Worth personal injury attorney may advise against settling until your treatment is complete. This ensures that the settlement reflects your future medical needs and avoids lowball offers.
Disputes Over Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001). You cannot recover damages if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault. Any disputes over who caused the accident can drag out negotiations.
Backlog in the Court System
If negotiations break down, the case may need to be set for trial. Courts in Tarrant County and throughout Texas are still working through post-COVID backlogs, which could delay resolutions for many months—even years in some areas.
Can You Speed Up the Settlement Process?
Absolutely. Here’s how a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth can help move things along:
- Organizing complete medical records quickly
- Following up regularly with the insurer
- Pushing for mediation or informal resolution
- Avoiding trial unless absolutely necessary
At Patterson Law Group, we don’t wait for the phone to ring. We proactively follow up, anticipate roadblocks, and fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve without unnecessary delays.
Settlement vs. Trial: What if No Offer Comes?
If weeks go by and no offer comes—or if the offer is far below what you need—your Fort Worth PI law firm might recommend moving the case toward trial. Keep in mind:
- Going to trial often increases the potential compensation
- It also adds months (sometimes a year or more) to the timeline
- Even after a trial date is set, many cases settle before the courtroom
FAQ: Common Questions After a Deposition Answered by Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers
How soon will I hear from the insurance company after a deposition?
Depending on how fast the insurance adjuster reviews the case, it can typically take a few days to a few weeks. A Fort Worth personal injury attorney can help apply pressure if delays drag on.
Can my case be settled during the deposition?
While rare, it’s possible. If both sides see eye to eye on liability and damages, a settlement offer could be made during or shortly after your deposition.
What if I’m still getting medical treatment after the deposition?
You can still settle, but it’s risky. If your treatment isn’t finished, you may underestimate future costs. Most injury lawyers in Fort Worth, TX, recommend waiting until you’re at maximum medical improvement.
What does “maximum medical improvement” mean?
It means you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to medically. This is critical because it helps your attorney and doctors calculate long-term damages more accurately.
How will I receive the settlement money once it’s finalized?
After you sign a settlement agreement, you usually receive the funds within 30 days. Your Fort Worth PI law firm will handle the disbursement by paying medical liens and attorney fees and issuing your check.
Is the settlement taxable in Texas?
Generally, personal injury settlements for physical injuries are not taxable under IRS guidelines. However, portions may be related to lost wages or punitive damages. Talk to a tax professional if you’re unsure.
Every Case Is Unique—Contact our Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Waiting after a deposition can feel like standing at the edge of a finish line you can’t quite cross. You’ve given your statement and cooperated, and now you want closure. While there’s no magic number for how long it takes to settle a case in Texas, having the proper legal guidance makes all the difference.
At Patterson Law Group, we believe in keeping clients informed at every step and moving cases forward with purpose. If you’re looking for a reliable injury lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, to help you get answers and results—not just delays—we stand by your side.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s finish this together.
