Louisiana Tops the List for Lengthiest Civil Lawsuit Processes in the US
A recent study conducted by Louisiana-based Scott Vicknair law firm, using data up to March 31, 2022, from the US Courts, has brought to light the extensive duration of civil lawsuits in various states. Louisiana emerges as the state with the most protracted civil lawsuit durations in federal district courts across the United States.
State-by-State Comparison of Lawsuit Durations
The study presents a detailed comparison of the median time from filing to disposition of civil lawsuits across different states:
- Louisiana: Leading with a staggering 22.4 months.
- Other Prolonged States: Idaho (13.6 months), Texas (13.1 months), and Oregon (12.8 months).
- South Dakota’s Unique Position: Despite having fewer cases, it takes over a year on average to process a civil suit.
California, despite having the highest number of federal civil lawsuits, efficiently processes them among the fastest in the nation.
Varied Duration Across the States
- Louisiana’s Peculiarity: With a median processing time of 22.4 months, Louisiana stands out, especially when compared to the US average of 9.2 months.
- California’s Efficiency: Despite a high caseload, California processes its 27,788 civil suits within an average of just 7.1 months.
- South Dakota and Wyoming’s Paradox: Despite lower caseloads, these states have surprisingly lengthy processing times.
Trial Duration Extremes: Nevada and Florida
Nevada experiences the longest civil trials, sometimes taking nearly four years, while Florida boasts the shortest trial durations.
David Vicknair, Lead Personal Injury Attorney and Partner at Scott Vicknair Law Firm, emphasizes the importance of understanding jurisdiction before filing a civil suit. He notes the distinction between personal and subject matter jurisdiction and highlights the firm’s specialization in maritime claims and personal injury cases.
Also read: illumin’s Revealing Study on America’s Most Disputed TV Ads
Study’s Implications and Scott Vicknair’s Expertise
This comprehensive study commissioned by Scott Vicknair law firm not only sheds light on the varied landscape of civil lawsuit processing times across the US but also underscores the firm’s expertise in personal injury and maritime law.
The detailed insights provided by this study underscore the complexities and variations inherent in the US legal system, particularly in the processing of civil lawsuits. The findings are especially crucial for individuals and entities considering where to file their cases, highlighting the need for strategic decisions based on jurisdiction and processing times.
