So, the case is over. You made it. Maybe you battled it out in court, or maybe your lawyer helped negotiate a solid settlement behind the scenes. Either way, you won. And while that deserves a moment to breathe, the truth is it’s not completely over. There's still one more phase to navigate before the funds are in your hands.
Because now that the case is over, a different kind of waiting begins. When will the money show up? What has to happen before it reaches your hands? If you worked with a trusted firm like Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, they can walk you through this final phase. Let's find out what to expect. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in the settlement disbursement process.
How the Settlement Process Works
“People are often surprised to find out that winning the case doesn’t mean a check shows up the next day,” says personal injury attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP.
Winning your case doesn’t mean you get the money right away. There’s still a system at work, documents to sign, approvals to clear, and checks to process. Every step takes time. Sometimes more time than feels fair. A few weeks is common. Is it possible to extend this period to several months? Also possible.
So, before you refresh your bank app too many times, here’s what needs to happen behind the scenes:
- Step 1: Finalizing the Settlement or Verdict
The first thing that happens after you win is paperwork. A lot of it. If you settle, your lawyer and the other side’s team will sign something called a release form. You agree that this chapter is closed, and you won’t sue them again over this issue. This document is legally binding, so your attorney will review every detail before you sign.
If you win at trial, then the court puts it in writing with a judgment order. But sometimes it is not final. The losing side can still file post-trial motions, which may delay your payment while they try to change or challenge the decision. These motions can add weeks or even months to the timeline. - Step 2: Payment Processing Begins
Once the last signature is in place, the ball is in the insurance company’s court. They usually have somewhere between 21 and 30 days to send out the check, depending on the terms of the settlement. This timeline can vary based on the complexity of the case and the insurer's internal processes. - Step 3: The Check Is Sent to the Plaintiff’s Attorney
Once the check is issued, it’s not heading straight into your bank account; it’s going to your lawyer. That’s standard procedure. They'll put it in a client trust account, which keeps your money separate while they go through what else has to be done. This step protects both you and your attorney by ensuring funds are properly accounted for before distribution. - Step 4: Paying Off Liens and Bills
So the money’s in, but before you get your portion, your lawyer needs to take care of what’s still owed. That starts with medical liens. These are bills from places like the hospitals or physical therapists who agreed to wait until your case wrapped up. Your lawyer will negotiate with these providers to potentially reduce what you owe.
And if your health insurance or Medicaid paid for some of your treatment, they might ask to be reimbursed, too. That’s called a subrogation claim. It’s all standard, but it’s why the full amount isn’t immediately yours to spend. - Step 5: You Get Paid
Finally, once the liens have been paid and the lawyer has resolved any outstanding commitments, you will receive the remaining funds. It might arrive as a check, or your lawyer might send it through a direct deposit, depending on how they handle disbursements. Your attorney should provide you with a detailed settlement statement showing exactly how the funds were distributed.
Conclusion
The finish line's a little longer than it looks. But now you know what the final stretch involves. Understanding each step can help ease the frustration of waiting. As long as the paperwork clears and the pieces fall into place, the money will land. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side makes this process smoother and ensures you understand every step along the way.
