Learn the Settlement Process from a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you will be able to file a claim against the at-fault party and potentially recover damages. If you and your personal injury lawyer in Hernando County, FL, win the case, you will be awarded a settlement check for your damages.
While you might want that settlement check immediately to start covering the financial hardships you have faced due to the injury, it is crucial to understand that there is a process involved in receiving your settlement check. The following are the steps involved before you can finally expect to receive a payment for your personal injury in Florida:
Signing Settlement Documents – The first step in the process is to sign a settlement release form. This releases the at-fault party, the insurance company, or any other known or unknown parties from any further liability. In other words, once you sign this release, you cannot pursue additional damages for the same accident and injury.
Waiting for the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company to Send the Check – Once your settlement documents have been signed and submitted, you must wait for the insurance company to process them. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The check will usually be sent to your attorney.
Paying Bills, Liens, & Legal Fees – Once your attorney receives the check, they may deposit it into an escrow account. This allows your attorney to pay any bills or liens and deduct their legal fees and any out-of-pocket expenses they may have incurred while your case was pending.
Receiving Your Money – After all the bills, liens, and legal fees have been paid, you will receive your money. You will also receive a statement along with the check that details all deductions that were made.