After reaching a settlement in your personal injury case, getting your compensation shouldn’t be a mystery. At times, the wait for your settlement check can feel frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills and other expenses. Here’s what you need to know about the settlement check process in Las Vegas and how long you can typically expect to wait.
What Happens After I Sign The Settlement Release?
Once you’ve signed the settlement release, several steps must occur before you receive your check. This legal document confirms you accept the settlement terms and releases the other party from future claims. The insurance company then begins processing your settlement, which typically takes 2-6 weeks in straightforward cases.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Your Injury Settlement Check?
The typical timeline from signing your release to receiving your settlement funds breaks down into three main stages:
1. Settlement Release Verification (2-4 Weeks)
After signing your release, the insurance company begins their verification process. They review all settlement terms, confirm documentation is complete, and process internal approvals. During this stage, your attorney monitors the verification process and addresses any questions to prevent unnecessary delays.
2. Funds Sent to Your Attorney’s IOLTA Account (7-10 Business Days)
Once verified, the insurance company issues your settlement check to your attorney’s office. Your attorney deposits this check into a special trust account called an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account). This account protects your funds while remaining liens and obligations are resolved.
3. Disbursement of the Net Settlement (48-72 Hours)
Your attorney prepares the final settlement breakdown, resolves any outstanding liens, and issues your settlement check. This typically takes 48-72 hours once all obligations are settled. Your attorney provides a detailed statement showing exactly how your settlement funds were distributed.
What Can Delay Your Injury Settlement Check?
Several key factors can affect your settlement timeline:
Medical Liens and Bills
Before releasing your funds, your attorney must resolve all medical bills and liens. This includes:
- Hospital bills and treatment costs
- Health insurance claims
- Ambulance services
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physical therapy expenses
While your Nevada injury attorney negotiates to reduce these expenses to maximize your compensation, this process takes time. However, the benefit of lower medical bills often outweighs the brief delay.
Complex Case Factors
Some cases involve additional complications that can extend settlement time:
- Multiple insurance policies
- Government benefit considerations
- Future medical cost calculations
- Multiple responsible parties
- Out-of-state insurance companies
Your attorney actively manages these factors to minimize delays while protecting your interests.
How Can A Las Vegas Injury Lawyer Help With Your Injury Settlement?
At Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers, we can speed up your settlement check process. Our injury lawyers handle all insurance company communication, negotiate medical liens, and manage Nevada-specific legal requirements to keep your settlement moving efficiently.
Before signing a settlement release, it’s important to understand how it affects your case. Rushing to sign without proper review can lead to delays or reduced compensation. An experienced attorney helps you evaluate the timing and terms to protect your interests.
Most Las Vegas settlement checks arrive within two to six weeks after signing a release. This timeline may extend depending on insurance processing requirements and lien negotiations.
Questions about your settlement? Contact Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the settlement process.