Methodology snapshot: The figures on this page are compiled from public records, government agency reports, and published industry surveys. Numbers labeled as averages are estimates of typical outcomes; individual cases vary significantly.

Overview

Typical trial duration in days by case type — personal injury, contract, employment.

National picture

This section summarizes the latest US-wide figures with context: how the number is measured, what it includes, and what it does not include. Where multiple credible sources publish different numbers, we present a range and link to each source.

State-by-state comparison

Below the national figure, we publish a state-by-state breakdown. Each state row links to a dedicated state page with deeper context, statute references, and any state-specific caps or rules that affect the number.

What moves the number

• Severity of the underlying matter (injuries, charges, contested issues).
• Venue and jurisdiction-specific rules (caps, fee schedules, court backlog).
• Quality and quantity of evidence and documentation.
• Insurance coverage limits, where applicable.
• Whether the matter resolves before or after trial.

How to read these numbers

Averages and medians can be misleading on their own. We provide ranges (typical low to typical high) wherever possible, plus the methodology used to compute them. If a number on this page changes meaningfully when new data is released, we update the page and note the change in the revision log at the bottom.

Source list

Each table on this page cites the underlying source (statute, government dataset, or published industry report). We link directly to the source so you can verify.