First of all, congratulations on reaching a settlement! Here’s what you can expect in the weeks ahead:

Receiving the Settlement Check

  • After settlement, it often takes up to 30 days from the date you sign a Release, before we can disburse the settlement funds to you. It may take more or less time, depending on how long it takes the insurance company to issue the check.
  • It normally takes 10–14 days for the insurance company to issue the settlement check. We will continue to follow up with the insurance company (or defense counsel) until we have the check.
  • The check is normally made payable to both you and our firm. We will endorse it on your behalf and deposit it into our escrow (trust) account.
  • By rule, we hold the funds in escrow for at least 5 business days to ensure the check clears before any distributions are made.

Deductions and Liens

Before your case settled, we discussed an estimated distribution (the amount you will receive after deductions). Common deductions may include:

  • Attorney’s fees and case costs (deducted from the total settlement).
  • Outstanding medical bills (if you direct us to pay them from your settlement).
  • Liens or subrogation claims (e.g., health insurance, workers’ comp, or government programs with repayment rights).

Important: Even if you don’t direct us to pay certain medical bills from settlement funds, you remain responsible for paying them yourself. However, we are required to hold back enough money to cover certain liens or protect valid subrogation claims.

Other Steps

  • You will review and sign a settlement statement showing all deductions and your net recovery.
  • The insurance company also requires you to sign a Release, which permanently closes your case. This means you cannot bring any future claims against the released parties for this same accident—even if new injuries or treatment are later discovered.
  • If a lawsuit has been filed, it will be dismissed, with prejudice. The dismissal order in this manner will prevent you from pursuing another claim arising out of the same incident.

Why Choose Us

For over a decade, we handled cases from the insurance company’s side. Now, we use that inside knowledge to fight for injured victims only. That experience gives us unique strategies to maximize results for our clients.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your settlement or next steps

  • Call John Merrick directly at 804-464-7719
  • Or schedule a call here: