If your claim cannot be resolved before filing a lawsuit, then the amount of time you must spend is increased, but it is still very manageable. You must work with your attorney on answering questions the other side sends (called written discovery) and you will need to attend your deposition and a mediation. But all meetings are scheduled ahead of time and work schedules can easily be accommodated. If your case goes all the way to trial and does not settle ahead of time, then there will be more time spent preparing for and attending trial. But most cases settle without the need to go to trial.