There’s no way to estimate how long a video game addiction lawsuit will take to resolve because each case is unique.
Getting Help is Easy
Call Us Anytime. Nights And Weekends, We’re Available.
A Trusted, Experienced Partner
Fill out the form on the top of the page and a case specialist will reach out to you.
No Fees Unless We Win
No Win, No Fee. You Don’t Pay A Penny Unless We Win Your Case.
Factors That Could Affect How Long a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Takes to Resolve
Every case is different, which means that how long your case takes depends on its specifics. However, here are a few common factors that could impact how long your video game addiction case takes to resolve.
Whether the Video Game Addiction Lawsuits Become Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
In June 2024, the courts rejected a motion to consolidate the existing gaming addiction lawsuits into an MDL, stating a lack of “common factual questions.” However, if an MDL is formed later, this could affect the trajectory of your case. You may need to wait for an opt-in/opt-out date to pass, and you may also need to wait for bellwether trials.
Whether You File an Individual Lawsuit or Join Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
The path for an individual video game addiction lawsuit differs greatly from that for an MDL. While both are at the mercy of the court’s docket, an MDL has several other benchmarks you must pass. For example, the attorneys involved may be sending out mailers with more information about the lawsuit and the next steps. Typically, the mailer will include an “opt-in/opt-out date,” by which an interested party can join the lawsuit or choose to “opt-out.”
Whether You Agree to a Settlement or Take Your Case to Court
In most cases, agreeing to a settlement will take less time than taking your case to court. You might recover less than you would at trial, but you can control the outcome better than leaving it in the hands of a jury. You also run the risk of the defendant appealing a jury verdict if you take the case to trial.
How Full the Court’s Docket Is
In some situations, a case will be heard almost immediately. In others, you may need to wait months before your case is up on the docket.
How Long Case Prep Takes
Video game addiction lawsuits are in their infancy. We don’t know much about how exactly video games cause addiction. This means these cases could take substantial prep time and extend how long it takes for a video game addiction lawsuit to resolve.
Whether the Defendants Appeal Any Verdicts
We can assume that the video game developers will appeal most of the verdicts that side with the plaintiffs. After all, the video game companies have already responded to the first wave of lawsuits with a motion to dismiss based on a violation of the First Amendment and by claiming that people can’t sue the creators for making video games “too entertaining.”
Will Hiring an Attorney Make My Case Settle Faster?
A video game addiction lawsuit lawyer can help you determine how long your case will take. Hiring an attorney can also make a defendant take your case more seriously, which could avoid unnecessary delays.
However, it’s important to note that no lawyer can promise your case will be resolved in a certain amount of time. If they do, you should look for a new lawyer. Law firms do everything they can to keep cases on track, but no attorney can expedite a case.
Do I Need to Go to Court for a Video Game Addiction Case?
Not necessarily. You can file a gaming addiction lawsuit and still keep the process out of court. You can negotiate a settlement, which would keep you from going to trial. Your video game addiction lawsuit lawyer can help you determine the best option for your situation.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a video game addiction lawsuit if your child:
- Plays or played video games (e.g., Roblox, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Minecraft, or Grand Theft Auto (GTA)) for several hours a day each day for several weeks or months
- Has suffered one or more of the following:
- A gaming disorder or video game addiction
- An orthopedic injury, including gamer’s thumb (de Quervain’s tenosynovitis), tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, neck herniation, or neck sprain
- Sleep deprivation psychosis
- A diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), ADD, or ADHD
- Anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Gamer Rage or aggression
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Obesity
- Seizures
- Loss of education (dropped out of high school due to gaming)
- The need for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan at school
- The need to be homeschooled due to gaming
- Brain changes shown through an MRI scan or CT scan
- Computer vision syndrome
- Income loss/being unable to keep a full-time job due to a gaming addiction
- Inability to support oneself due to a gaming addiction/still living at home
- Changes in eating patterns
You may also qualify to hold a video game developer liable if your child:
- Has a criminal record related to addiction (e.g., stealing games, stealing to buy more games)
- Is cursing excessively or cursing in inappropriate settings or places
- Is being very negligent about personal hygiene due to dedicating too much time to playing
- Is prioritizing gaming over other hobbies, sports, or friends
- Is socially isolating themself
Get Help from a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Lawyer
You deserve justice for your child’s internet gaming disorder. The Goldwater Law Firm wants to help you get it. We are an award-winning firm with a long history of results. We take our responsibility to our clients seriously, so we partner with some of the country’s largest and most successful firms.
Call today to connect with a video game addiction lawsuit attorney in your area. The initial consultation is always free, and you don’t need to worry about any upfront costs.