After going through the stress of an injury, doctor visits, missed work, and dealing with insurance companies, you may finally reach a settlement. That’s a huge relief. However, knowing when you will get the money can help you better plan for your care and future. This payment, commonly referred to as a personal injury settlement check, can be a crucial step in helping you move forward.
Most personal injury settlement checks in Dothan are issued within a few weeks to a few months after a case is resolved, but delays can occur depending on several factors. At Parker Trial Law, we understand how important it is for you to receive your settlement without unnecessary delays. The following information explains what a settlement check is, how it works, what might delay it, and how we can help you obtain yours as soon as possible without compromising the value of your claim.
What Is a Settlement Check and How Does It Work?
A settlement check is the payment you receive when your personal injury case is resolved. Whether it’s from a car accident, a slip and fall, or another serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence, the insurance company or the person responsible agrees to pay a certain amount of money to settle the case. You receive the settlement in exchange for agreeing not to sue the defendant for your injuries.
This money is meant to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to your injury. But the money doesn’t just appear in your bank account right away. There’s a process for it, and that process can take time.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Receive Your Settlement Check
You may ask, “How long does a settlement check take?” The answer is that it can depend on several factors. Every case is a little different, but there are a few things that can affect the timing, including:
- Release Form Signing – Before a check is written, you must sign a release form. This document confirms that you agree not to file any future legal claims related to the injury in exchange for the money. If there’s a delay in signing—or if the release gets sent back and forth a few times for revisions—that slows things down.
- Insurance Company Processing – After the release is signed, the insurance company needs to cut the check. Some companies move faster than others, but waiting a few weeks to receive the insurance settlement check is not unusual.
- Check Clearance and Liens – Your lawyer’s firm will receive a settlement check payable to the attorney and client. Your lawyer must deposit it in a special trust account and pay any outstanding bills or liens (like medical expenses or health insurance reimbursements). That step can take several days to a few weeks.
- Disputes or Errors – An error in the check, the paperwork, or the amounts owed to third parties can also cause delays.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Settlement Check Process
Our team has put together a step-by-step breakdown of the settlement process to help you understand the timeline better. Here is what you can expect:
- Settlement Agreement Reached – You and the other party (usually through their insurance company) agree on a dollar amount to settle the case. This step often follows negotiation and can be one of the most crucial turning points in your case.
- Release Form Signed – You sign a legal document stating you won’t take further legal action on the same incident. The insurance company won’t release the check until it receives this signed form.
- Check Issued – The insurance company writes the personal injury settlement check, typically within two to four weeks of receiving the signed release.
- Check Deposited in Trust – The check is usually payable to the attorney and client, so your lawyer deposits it into a trust account. This account keeps your funds secure while your lawyer prepares to distribute them properly.
- Liens and Expenses Paid – Several payments must be made before you receive your money. Your lawyer pays off any outstanding medical bills, case costs, or liens related to your injury and your case.
- You Receive Your Share – After everything is settled and the lawyer has taken their fee, you receive your portion of the money.
From start to finish, this process typically takes anywhere from four to eight weeks after the settlement is finalized. However, this can vary depending on how quickly each step moves.
How a Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Speed Up the Process
While you can’t control everything, working with an experienced Dothan personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in how fast you get your money.
At Parker Trial Law, we know how to keep things moving. We follow up with insurance companies, double-check documents, and handle any bills or liens as efficiently as possible to ensure timely resolution. We also stay in touch with you, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Sometimes, having a lawyer on your side can help move things along faster. Insurance companies tend to be more responsive when they know you’re being represented by someone who’s not afraid to take your case to trial, if needed.
Our team takes that responsibility seriously. Since 2016, we have been focused on representing victims of serious injuries in courtrooms across Alabama, Georgia, and nationally. We do not shy away from trial, and that helps us get real results. Even after your case is over, we try to stay in touch. We treat our clients like family, and that relationship doesn’t stop when the paperwork is done. That includes making sure you understand the settlement check process and helping you collect every dollar you’re entitled to.
We know it is frustrating to wait for money that’s supposed to help you recover. You have already been through enough. Maybe you’re dealing with medical bills, missed paychecks, and pain that doesn’t seem to go away. You deserve real answers and not just vague promises. Our job at Parker Trial Law is to help you every step of the way, from your first phone call to the day your personal injury settlement check arrives. We do not stop until everything is taken care of. Contact us today for a free case review and to learn more about how we can help you with the personal injury claim process.
