How long does a securities class action usually take to settle or resolve?

It is very difficult to determine how long a securities class action will take to settle or resolve. The reason there is no "average" time or one set answer is because there are a wide variety of different cases. There are also several different factors that go into determining exactly how long it will take before the securities class action is resolved. Thus, while it is possible to provide a rough estimate that the case may take between two and three years, that number may not be representative in any way of how long your particular securities class action case takes to settle. 

Resolving a Securities Class Action

The major factors that go into how long a securities class action is going to take to settle or resolve are:

• The amount of evidence against the defendant. If the case is fairly open-and-shut for the plaintiff, the defendant may be more willing to make a reasonable settlement offer that is accepted. This can lead to speedier results.
• Whether the case actually settles or goes all the way to trial. If a case settles and the defendant agrees to pay, this is generally going to be a much quicker process than if both sides need to go all the way through a full trial.
• Whether a verdict is appealed. If the case doesn't settle and a jury makes a decision, either side can appeal the case. This would mean the original decision would be reviewed again by a higher court- a process that can add a specific amount of time on. 

Getting Legal Help

Since there is no one answer to how long a securities class action will take to settle, you should ask the attorney representing the class what they expect the progress will be. Some law firms also provide a website or other means for plaintiffs to check in and follow the progress of the securities class action so that the plaintiffs can see how close they are to a settlement.