Get answers to the common legal question: how are personal injury settlements paid out? You filed a personal injury claim, settled your case, and now it’s time to receive your settlement money. Understanding the compensation distribution process and how much you’ll actually receive after contingency fees and disbursements But do you know how the process works?
Below you’ll learn more about what happens during the payout period and get helpful personal injury settlement statistics that can give you a sense of how the process may go. Our award-winning attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your damages and ensure fair compensation for your injuries.
After Settling Your Case
More than 90% of personal injury cases are settled before trial. After your case has been settled, the lawyers will notify the court that the case has been settled, an order will be issued, and both your side and the other side will have approximately 30 to 60 days to complete their paperwork.
One important part of this process is the release. The release is a document the defense lawyer prepares that lays out the terms of the settlement and any structured settlement or lump sum payment arrangements and then sends to your lawyer for approval. Our experienced attorneys will carefully review and approve the release to protect your interests as the plaintiff. The release may be straightforward or there may be issues that your lawyer identifies as problematic.
If there are issues, your lawyer and the defense lawyer will have to come to an agreement through negotiation or potentially mediation, which can sometimes delay the settlement process. Once an agreement is reached, you will sign this form in front of your Personal Injury lawyer. Before you sign, make sure to read it carefully and ask your lawyer any questions you have.
Medical and Governmental Liens
Another issue that may affect the settlement process is any government or medical lien against you. If you owe your health care provider, health insurance company, or government agencies money, you must first pay them off. These liens must be reimbursed from your settlement proceeds before you receive your final compensation. Once you have, you will be able to collect your settlement. Our comprehensive legal team handles all lien negotiations and ensures proper distribution of funds to all parties.
Checks and Payments
Once the paperwork has been taken care of, the defendant’s insurance company will send a check to your lawyer. The lawyer will then deduct fees and expenses. Typically, contingency fee arrangements mean you pay a percentage of the settlement amount only when we win your case, with no retainer required upfront. Finally, they will write you a check for the balance. Once your lawyer has received a check from the other party, your check will usually be available in a few days.
Understanding how settlement amounts are calculated is critical—factors include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Our affordable legal services ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the entire claims process.
To find out more about how recovering your settlement works, contact us or download our personal injury recovery kit for more information. Schedule a confidential consultation with our established firm to discuss your case and learn about potential tax implications of your settlement.
