April 2, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in an accident and settled your case, you might be wondering, “How long after the settlement can I get my money?” While getting a settlement check is an exciting step, it doesn’t always happen right away. There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to receive your payment.
Understanding the process can help you plan ahead and avoid frustration. If you need help tracking your settlement check, speaking with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can provide clarity.
How Long Do Lawsuits Take to Settle?
The time it takes to settle a personal injury case varies. Some cases settle in a few months, while others take a year or longer. Several factors affect how long a lawsuit takes to settle, including:
- The severity of your injuries: More serious injuries often mean higher settlements, but they can take longer to negotiate.
- Insurance company negotiations: Insurers may delay or make lowball offers to avoid paying full compensation.
- Legal and court processes: If a case goes to trial, it could take much longer to resolve.
- Medical treatments: A lawyer may wait until you finish treatment to ensure all medical costs are included.
Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your case timeline and options.
What Happens After a Settlement Is Reached?
Once both sides agree on a settlement, you still have to wait before receiving your check. Here’s what happens next:
- Sign the settlement agreement: You and the other party must sign paperwork agreeing to the terms.
- Insurance company processes payment: The at-fault party’s insurance company must issue the payment.
- Lawyer pays outstanding bills: If you have medical liens or legal fees, they must be paid before you receive your portion.
- Final check issued to you: Once all costs are covered, your attorney will send you the remaining balance.
This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly everything is handled. Staying in contact with your lawyer can help you track your settlement check.
How Long After Settlement Do I Get My Money?
Most people receive their settlement within 30 to 60 days after signing the agreement. However, delays can happen if:
- The insurance company is slow in processing the payment.
- There are medical liens or legal fees that need to be settled.
- The court needs to approve the settlement (in cases involving minors or large amounts).
If you’re waiting for your check and experiencing delays, an attorney can help ensure your payment is processed as soon as possible.
What Can Delay a Settlement Check?
Even after a settlement is reached, certain factors may cause delays in getting your money, including:
- Insurance company processing times: Some insurers take longer to release funds.
- Errors in paperwork: Mistakes in legal documents can cause delays.
- Outstanding medical bills or liens: If you owe medical providers, your lawyer must resolve those first.
- Court approval requirements: Some cases, such as those involving minors, must be approved by a judge before payment is released.
To avoid delays, working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can keep the process moving is important.
Can I Track My Settlement Check?
If you’re waiting on your payment, you might be wondering how to track your settlement check. While there’s no exact tracking system, your lawyer can update you on where your check is in the process. They can:
- Contact the insurance company to confirm payment has been sent
- Check with the court if approval is required
- Follow up with medical providers if liens need to be paid
Staying in touch with your lawyer is the best way to ensure your check arrives as soon as possible.
Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with settlement payments can be frustrating, especially if there are delays. A personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Negotiating a fair settlement so you don’t accept less than you deserve
- Handling all paperwork to avoid errors that could slow down payment
- Following up on delays to make sure your check is processed quickly
- Tracking your settlement check and keeping you informed of any updates
If you have questions about your personal injury settlement, working with a lawyer can help make the process smoother and less stressful.
Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC for Legal Help With Your Case
If you suffered serious injuries after an accident in Atlanta, Georgia we are here for you. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please don’t hesitate to call (404) 869-8600, or you can visit our office:
Goldstein Hayes & Lina Accident Lawyers
3060 Peachtree Rd NW UNIT 1000,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-8600