Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | June 26, 2025 | Personal Injury

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

If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury settlement can be a major step toward financial recovery. Settling can bring relief, but many victims wonder the same thing: how long does it take to get a personal injury settlement check?

The timeline for getting a settlement check varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the speed of negotiations. Here is what you can expect.

Step 1: Reaching a Settlement Agreement

Both parties must agree on the terms of a settlement before a check can be issued. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, or even potentially years, depending on:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Whether liability is contested
  • The amount of available insurance coverage
  • The willingness of the at-fault party or their insurance company to negotiate

Cases involving minor injuries or clear liability may settle quickly. More serious or disputed cases often require multiple rounds of negotiation, formal demands, or mediations before an agreement is reached. 

Once a settlement is reached, the clock starts ticking toward the disbursement of funds, but there may still be a few steps ahead.

Step 2: Signing the Release Form

Once both parties agree to the settlement amount, you must sign a release form. This is a legal document stating you will not pursue further legal action related to your accident, including for additional compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you review a release and negotiate its language if needed. 

After signing a release:

  • The release is sent back to the insurance company or opposing counsel.
  • The insurance company must process the form and issue payment.

This step can take 1 to 2 weeks, although delays may occur if there is disagreement over the release’s wording or if the document requires multiple signatures.

Step 3: Issuance of the Check

A personal injury settlement check will be sent after a signed release is received and accepted. Most insurance companies are legally required to issue the check within a reasonable timeframe, which could be within 30 days. However, the timeline can vary by jurisdiction and the terms of your release. 

Delays may occur if:

  • The insurer is waiting for approval from supervisors or managers.
  • Internal processing or backlogs slow things down.
  • Additional documentation is requested.

A lawyer working on your behalf can follow up to ensure an insurer adheres to required deadlines.

Step 4: Deposit Into Attorney Trust Account

A settlement check will likely be delivered to your lawyer if you are working with one. Once your lawyer receives the check, it must be deposited into a client trust account. The funds must clear the bank, which can take up to 7 business days, depending on your bank and the check amount. 

Only after the check has cleared can your lawyer disburse the funds.

There may be deductions for legal fees and liens if you are working with a personal injury lawyer. They will deduct specific amounts from the total on your behalf. This includes:

  • Attorney’s fees: This is typically a contingency fee ranging from 33 to 40 percent. 
  • Legal expenses: This includes costs for filing fees, expert witnesses, records requests, or depositions.
  • Medical liens or bills: This includes any unpaid medical bills or liens from healthcare providers or health insurers that must be settled.

In some cases, a lawyer may negotiate liens to reduce what you owe. This process can add time, sometimes a few weeks or longer, but may result in a greater net payout.

Step 6: Final Disbursement to You

After deductions are made and the check clears, your lawyer will issue your final settlement check. This can be done via:

  • Mailed check
  • Wire transfer
  • Physical pickup from the law office

You will typically receive your portion of a settlement within a few days after the final accounting is complete.

Can I Speed up the Settlement Process?

Certain steps in the settlement process are out of your control, but there are actions you can take to help avoid unnecessary delays. Here are a few ways to help:

  • Respond quickly to your lawyer’s requests for signatures or information. 
  • Keep records of all medical treatment, bills, and liens.
  • Discuss liens early in the process, especially if you know medical providers or insurance companies may expect repayment. 
  • Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to navigate insurance companies, negotiate liens, and avoid common delays. 
  • Stay in contact and ask questions. 
  • Notify your lawyer of any address changes or banking details, if applicable. 

Taking these steps will not guarantee lightning-fast payment, but they can significantly reduce the chances of avoidable delays. 

What Factors Make a Personal Injury Case Take Longer To Settle in Ohio?

Many personal injury cases are resolved within a few months, but others can take years to settle. You may have a longer settlement timeline if your case involves:

  • Multiple parties
  • Disputes over liability
  • Shared fault or comparative negligence
  • Severe or catastrophic injuries
  • Ongoing treatment 
  • Uncooperative insurance companies
  • Complex investigations 
  • Expert witnesses  
  • Litigation

Understanding how these factors may impact the settlement timeline can help you manage your expectations and avoid frustration during the legal process. A lawyer can help guide you toward a settlement and advise you on the best time to settle based on your unique circumstances. 

Injured? A Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Waiting for a personal injury settlement check can be frustrating, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, lost income, and daily expenses. It usually takes weeks after settlement to receive your funds, but the total timeline can vary. An experienced Sandusky personal injury lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation and see that your settlement check is processed efficiently. If you have been injured and are wondering what to expect from the settlement process, contact our Sandusky personal injury lawyers at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers today.

For more information, contact the Sandusky personal injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

We have five convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884