How long does a commercial litigation lawsuit last?
It is not uncommon for a lawsuit to go on for a year or more. Again, it depends on the complexity of the dispute and the willingness of the parties to agree on a settlement. If both sides are willing to compromise, the whole lawsuit could be over in a matter of months. However, many lawsuits take much longer. After the initial lawsuit is filed, both sides are allowed time to file several additional documents before even stepping foot in a courtroom. The discovery phase of litigation – where the parties inspect each other’s documents and interview each other under oath – can take months, or more, depending on how much information needs to be gathered. Trial preparation again also can take months, as the parties hash out what evidence or expert witnesses will be allowed. Even if both parties agree to negotiate, reaching a settlement can take anywhere from a day to several months.
