Personal Injury Settlement Process

Being involved in a personal injury claim can be difficult. Oftentimes, victims sustain significant financial losses as a result of their accidents.
 
Most personal injury cases do not escalate to litigation. The majority of cases are settled outside of the courtroom.
 
If you are hoping to secure a personal injury settlement, you may have questions. How long does a settlement take? How long does it take to get the money after a settlement is negotiated?
 
Below, we will answer many common questions that personal injury claimants ask. When you need the best legal representation available, reach out to the team at Morgan & Morgan. Our accomplished personal injury attorneys will work to secure the maximum compensation in your case.
 
Call us at 877-667-4265 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free case consultation.

How Long Does an Injury Settlement Take?

When you are attempting to secure a settlement, the process can be complex. That is why it is so crucial to partner with a skilled personal injury attorney.
 
If your case is resolved through litigation, the recovery process will be different. After winning a trial, you may not receive a check until after an appeals process.
 
So how long does a settlement take? The answer will depend on the circumstances of your personal injury case.
 
Before your injury case is settled, your attorney will need to successfully negotiate with the other party, their lawyer, and/or their insurance provider.
 
The process of an injury settlement can be extended for many reasons. These include:

•       Contested factual or legal elements in the case
•       The victim is pursuing a large amount of financial recovery
•       The victim has not yet achieved maximum medical improvement

If any of these three things describe your case, then your personal injury settlement may take longer. How long does a settlement take exactly? There is no single answer to this question.
 
However, a skilled personal injury attorney can help to ensure that you receive compensation as quickly as possible.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement with Contested Elements?

If there are certain issues in your personal injury claim that are contested by the opposing side, it may require more time to receive your settlement. For instance, liability is a contestable issue in many injury cases.
 
“Liability” is a term that refers to legal fault. The liable party is legally responsible for the accident or injury.
 
In some cases, liability can be difficult to prove. For instance, suppose that multiple witnesses to the accident make contrasting claims. If this happens, the opposing side may not be motivated to offer an adequate settlement amount in your case.
 
A knowledgeable attorney will fight hard to secure appropriate recovery in your case. This might involve speaking with liability experts or specialists.
 
Insurance companies will also contest the damages in many personal injury cases. For instance, a medical provider may question whether the defendant’s negligent actions caused the claimant’s injuries.
 
Skilled personal injury lawyers will often consult with a medical professional. A specialist can attest that your injuries were the result of the other party’s actions.
 
With contested elements, how long does an injury settlement take? It will depend on your personal injury attorney’s ability to build a strong case in your favor.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement for a Large Amount?

One factor that can delay your injury settlement is pursuing a large amount of compensation. Insurance providers are incentivized to pay as little as possible on each claim.
 
Because of this, they will not offer a large settlement amount unless they do not have a better option. An insurance company will need to be convinced that: 

•       They do not have a strong defense against your claims
•       Your injuries are severe enough to warrant the settlement
•       They are unable to undermine the credibility of your case

It takes time for an insurance company to determine whether it is in their best interest to settle a case. Occasionally, an insurance provider will pressure the claimant to give up a claim by delaying a personal injury settlement.
 
Insurance companies know that injury victims often face mounting financial pressure and obligations. They will try to use a victim’s need for quick payouts to decrease settlement amounts.
 
Do not let this happen to you. An accomplished injury lawyer can build a powerful legal case for you. The best attorneys can put pressure on the opposing side to secure maximum financial compensation in the case.
 
Many victims ask us, “How long does it take to get a settlement with a large amount of recovery?” While there is no single answer, claimants stand a much better chance of a quick settlement by hiring an experienced legal professional.

Securing a Settlement Before You Have Recovered

The third issue that can cause your settlement to be delayed is your recovery. If you are still receiving medical care or treatments for your injuries, your settlement may take longer.
 
When possible, you should not accept a settlement for your injuries before you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
 
Unfortunately, some injuries result in long-term or chronic symptoms. Not every injury victim fully recovers.
 
Waiting until you have reached the point of MMI will give your attorney a better understanding of the value of your claim. It is common for lawyers to seek damages for victims’ current and future medical expenses.
 
It can be difficult to accurately calculate the medical expenses that you will face in the future. If you have reached the point of MMI, your attorney can seek compensation for all of your medical bills.

Settling for a Lower Settlement Offer

Typically, an insurance company will offer a lowball settlement immediately after your injury or accident. As we noted above, insurance providers want to pay as little as possible on every claim.
 
They know that many victims who are facing bills and expenses will wonder, “How long does it take to get money after a settlement?”
 
Because of this, claimants will sometimes accept an unreasonably small settlement to get their money quickly.
 
Each personal injury case is unique. There are no universal rules about settlement amounts or offers. If you accept the first settlement offer, you will likely trade a higher payment for a quicker process.
 
Insurance providers often offer 30-40% of the value of a personal injury case initially. Securing an accomplished personal injury attorney can help you to determine your best course of action.
 
Some victims do decide that they would rather have a quick payment, even if it is lower.
 
No matter what you decide, you should consult with a skilled legal professional to make the best choice for your specific case. How long does an injury settlement take? It depends.
 
In short, the facts of your case and the decisions that you make will influence the timeline of your personal injury claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get Money After a Settlement is Accepted?

Once your lawyer has secured a settlement in your case, there are several steps to take. You and your attorney will work together to finalize your settlement.
 
After the insurance company agrees to a certain settlement amount, most victims hope to finish the claims process quickly. The majority of settlements are finalized within six weeks of being accepted.
 
Your attorney will assist you with the following steps so that you get your payment as rapidly as possible:

•       Signing relevant release documents
•       Securing the check from the insurance provider
•       Deducting legal payments and costs
•       Releasing your payment to you

Once you have received the settlement, you can begin paying off the costs accrued as the result of your injuries.