After a personal injury case gets resolved, most people expect the settlement check to follow quickly. That expectation is understandable. The fight is over, the paperwork is signed, and the money should come. But sometimes there is a delay. And it can be frustrating.
There are several steps between agreeing on a settlement and actually receiving the check. Some are simple. Others take time. Knowing what to expect can help reduce that stress. The time to receive your settlement check depends on multiple things happening in a certain order. And not all of them are in your control.
The Role of the Release Form
Before any money is paid, a release form must be signed. This form says you agree to the terms and give up the right to make more claims from the same incident. Sometimes, it takes days to get all the required signatures. If the other side involves more than one party, it can slow things down even more.
Once that form is signed, the insurance company can begin processing the check. That part may take another few business days. Some companies move faster than others. If your lawyer is dealing with a busy insurance carrier, it may take a week or longer before the check is even printed.
Bank Holds and Payout Procedures
Your lawyer will usually receive the check first. They deposit it into a legal trust account. This step is required. Most banks hold the check for a few days to make sure the funds are clear. Once the money is available, your lawyer begins paying any outstanding balances.
These might include unpaid medical bills or liens from treatment providers. It may also include legal fees. Sometimes, your lawyer will need to negotiate these balances down. That can take a few extra days. Only after everything is paid will your lawyer send you your portion of the money.
Delays Outside of Anyone’s Control
Not all delays happen within the legal process. Mail delivery can take time. Holidays slow things down. If the insurance company has a backlog, that may cause a delay, too. Sometimes, your check may be sent, but it takes longer to arrive than expected. These types of delays are annoying. But they do not mean something is wrong. Your lawyer should keep you updated if things are taking longer than normal.
Extra Factors That May Affect the Timing
In some cases, court approval may be required before the settlement money can be paid out. This is more common in cases involving minors or individuals who are not able to manage their own financial affairs. If that applies to your case, then the court must first review and approve the agreement. That adds another step and some extra days to the process.
Another common reason for delays is if your case involves government entities or large corporations. These types of defendants often have more layers of approval before a check can be issued. Their internal procedures tend to move slower. And while your lawyer may follow up regularly, things do not always speed up.
Errors in paperwork can also stall the process. If the release form contains incorrect details or needs corrections, it will need to be fixed and re-signed. That alone can push things back by a week or more.
It also helps to remember that every personal injury case is different. Just because someone you know got their check in a week doesn’t mean your situation will follow the same timeline. What matters is that the process is moving forward, and your lawyer is keeping track of every step along the way.
Conclusion
There are many steps between winning a settlement and receiving the actual money. Some are quick. Others take time. Most delays are normal and will work themselves out with patience and communication. Consulting a professional attorney can be a wise choice, as they can help you make an informed decision.
