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July 3, 2023 | Jay Murray | Personal Injury

How Long Does It Take To Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Dallas, TX?

How Long Does It Take To Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Dallas, TX?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas and pursued a personal injury claim, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to get a settlement check. It’s essential to understand each step involved in order to ensure a smooth experience and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Signing Documents and Releases

Before any settlement funds can be distributed, you and your attorney must sign a series of documents. These may include settlement agreements, releases, and other legal documentation required by insurance companies or the opposing party in a lawsuit.

A release is a document that releases the responsible party from any further claims related to the incident. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident and decided to pursue a claim against the other driver, you would likely sign a liability release form before receiving your settlement check. By signing this release, you agree not to pursue any additional legal action regarding the incident in question.

Insurance Companies Release the Check

Once all necessary documents have been signed, the insurance company or responsible party can begin processing the settlement payment. It’s essential to stay in contact with your attorney during this stage, as they can provide updates on the status of the payment.

Check Deposited by Attorney, Liens Paid

Upon receiving the settlement check, your attorney will deposit it into an escrow account – a specific bank account used by lawyers to manage client funds safely and securely. Before releasing the funds to you, your attorney will pay any outstanding liens or financial obligations associated with your case.

Common examples of liens include medical provider liens for treatment related to your injuries, Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance liens, and child support or spousal support liens.

Next, your attorney deducts any legal fees and costs associated with your case. This will include the contingency fee, which is a percentage of your settlement as agreed upon before the conclusion of the case. 

Additionally, your attorney will take expenses incurred during the course of your case, like court fees, expert witness fees, document filing fees, and the costs of obtaining medical records. 

Attorney Sends Your Settlement Check

With legal fees, costs, and outstanding debts resolved, the final step involves your attorney sending you the balance of your settlement check. Your attorney will disburse the remaining settlement funds to you either by check or direct deposit into your bank account.

How Long After a Settlement Do I Get Paid?

It’s perfectly reasonable to wonder, “How long after settlement do I get my money?” Typically, it takes about four to six weeks for a settlement check to be issued after the release has been submitted. However, it may take longer if there are any delays or complications in the process. 

If six weeks have passed and you still haven’t received your settlement check, you may be wondering, “How can I track my settlement check?” The best thing you can do is to reach out to your attorney for an update on the check’s status. There could be several reasons for the delay, and your attorney will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on your case.

How Long Does a Lawsuit Take To Settle? Factors Affecting Settlement Timeline

Keep in mind that while settlement checks may be received within 4-6 weeks, there are several steps that need to be taken before the settlement is reached, which could take many months or even longer. It could take months or even years sometimes. So, how long do lawsuits take to settle? There are varying factors that affect this timeline, including the following: 

The Severity of Your Injuries

If your injuries are relatively minor, it may not take long for your medical providers to give a clear prognosis and determine the full cost of your treatment. However, if you suffered more serious injuries that require long-term care or rehabilitation, like a traumatic brain injury, it could take longer to get a clear picture of what your future medical expenses and needs will be.

The Complexity of the Case

If the details of your accident and injuries are relatively straightforward, your personal injury attorney may be able to quickly gather evidence, build your case, and negotiate with the insurance company. However, if your case involves multiple parties, disputed liability, or unclear circumstances, it may take longer to gather evidence and negotiate a settlement.

Insurance Company’s Willingness To Negotiate 

Insurance companies may try to delay settlement negotiations or make unreasonably low offers, hoping that you’ll become frustrated and settle for less than you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney can help push for a fair settlement, but this process can take time.

Contact a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer for Advice and Help

Receiving a settlement check can be a satisfying conclusion to a challenging legal process. Being aware of the steps involved, from fully understanding the legal fees and costs associated with your case to the actual disbursement of your settlement funds, is essential for ensuring a smooth experience.

One of the hallmarks of a good personal injury lawyer is that they’ll be available throughout your case to answer any questions you might have. This includes any status updates regarding your settlement check. When in doubt, reach out to your attorney for legal advice and guidance.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Dallas, TX

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, Texas, and need legal help, contact our Dallas personal injury lawyers at Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers
2512 State St,
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-1420
https://jaymurraylaw.com/

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