How long should I treat my injuries before settling my case?

You should generally wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling — the point at which your doctor determines your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve significantly further. Settling before MMI carries serious risk: you may not yet know the full extent of your medical needs, your prognosis for recovery, or what permanent limitations you will have. Once you settle and sign a release, you cannot return for more money if your condition worsens or requires additional treatment. The appropriate treatment timeline depends entirely on your specific injuries. Soft tissue injuries may reach MMI in weeks to months. Surgical cases typically take 6 to 18 months for the recovery phase to provide a clear prognosis. Catastrophic injuries (spinal cord injury, TBI, amputations) may require 1 to 3 years of treatment and rehabilitation before MMI is reached and future needs can be accurately projected. Let your medical status, not financial pressure, drive the timing of settlement.