How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check?

Michael S. Callahan | | Personal Injury
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The last step in a personal injury case could also be the most trying on your patience: waiting for your settlement check. After all of the time and effort involved in your case, having to wait a few days or weeks to get the money you need can be challenging. But it’s essential to be patient and ask your knowledgeable Houston personal injury lawyer if you have questions about the process.

What Is the Average Amount of Time to Receive a Settlement Check?

Once you’ve reached a settlement with the insurance company for the other parties involved in your injury case, here are the steps that need to happen before you get your check:

  • Signing the release — Before the insurance company can issue a check, you’ll need to sign the settlement release. That essentially brings your case to an end since you agree to give up your claim in exchange for whatever money you receive in the settlement.
  • Processing the release — Once you’ve signed the settlement release, the insurance company will conduct a final review and process the document. After this step is complete, the insurance company will usually send the check to your attorney.
  • Depositing the check — Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they’ll cover the upfront costs related to your case. They get paid by collecting a portion of your settlement. So once your attorney receives your settlement check, they’ll deposit it and deduct their fees and other costs related to your case.
  • You receive your payment — After your lawyer has collected their fees, you’ll receive the remaining balance of your settlement.

It usually takes about four to six weeks for all these steps to be completed. However, every personal injury case is different, and the amount of time it takes before you get your check can vary depending on various factors.

What Happens After a Settlement Release Is Signed?

Once you’ve signed the settlement release, that’s essentially the end of your case. By signing the release, you’ve agreed to drop your case in exchange for whatever compensation you and the insurance company have agreed to.

Signing a release generally means that you cannot file another claim related to the same incident, so be sure you fully understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign the release.

Factors That Can Delay Your Check

Some of the factors that can delay your settlement check include:

  • The review process conducted by the insurance company
  • Disputes over the legal or factual matters of the case
  • The amount of the settlement (bigger settlement checks usually require a more extended review from the insurance company)
  • Whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement

Settlement Check FAQs

Here are a few common questions about how long it takes for clients to receive a settlement check.

  • How long can a lawyer hold your settlement check?

Before you can receive your portion of a settlement, your lawyer will need to deposit the check and deduct their fees and other costs. It can take a few days or a couple of weeks for the check to clear and for your lawyer to calculate their costs. However, you likely have bills to pay while you’ve been waiting for your settlement, so if your lawyer is dragging their feet, you may need to get more legal help.

  • How can I track my settlement check?

If the check is sent by certified mail or by a package delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc.), you may be able to track the check online as it makes its way toward you. If this option is unavailable, you can always call the insurance company or your lawyer to see how long it will be before receiving your settlement.

  • What if my lawyer refuses to hand over my settlement check?

If this happens, it’s essential that you contact the police and another lawyer as soon as possible. Otherwise, your current attorney may spend your settlement before you get the money you need.

Contact Our Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney Today

The Callahan Law Firm provides knowledgeable and aggressive legal counsel to people who’ve been hurt in accidents in Texas. If someone else’s negligence harmed you, turn to us for the help you need and deserve. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.