Tyler Gross | June 9, 2025 | Personal Injury
Reaching a settlement after a personal injury case can feel like a huge relief. But once the agreement is finalized, many individuals wonder how long it takes for the funds to actually settle and reach their hands.
According to our Pensacola personal injury attorneys, every case is different, and various factors can influence the timeline of your settlement. However, understanding the general process can help you set realistic expectations.
The Settlement Agreement
The first step toward receiving your funds begins with the signing of the settlement agreement. This legal document confirms that both parties have agreed to the terms of the settlement, including the payment amount and the release of any future claims related to the incident.
Once the agreement is signed, it must be submitted to the insurance company/the defendant’s legal team. Only after the release is officially accepted can the payout process begin.
Florida law typically requires insurers to tender payment within 20 days of the signed agreement. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get your money on day 20.
Processing the Check
After the release is accepted, the insurance company typically processes the settlement check.
While the insurance provider may act promptly, the internal procedures involved can add time. Steps may include processing the check, securing the necessary authorizations, and mailing or transferring the payment.
Attorneys typically receive the check first. The funds are then deposited into a client trust account, where they must clear before being disbursed. Depending on the bank and other factors, this clearance process can also contribute to the overall timeline.
Deductions and Liens
Once the funds are cleared, your attorney will handle any outstanding obligations that must be paid from the settlement. These may include attorney’s fees, court costs, and reimbursements for medical treatment.
If there are medical liens or health insurance claims, those must be resolved before you receive your portion of the settlement. Negotiating and satisfying liens, especially those involving hospitals, government programs, or third-party insurers, takes time.
Delays at this stage are not uncommon.
Disbursement to the Client
After all deductions and obligations are settled, the remaining funds can be released to you. This may be done via check, wire transfer, or another agreed-upon method.
Before disbursement, individuals typically review and sign a final settlement statement outlining all deductions and the net amount they will receive. Some law firms offer direct deposit options, which can make receiving funds more efficient.
Factors That May Impact the Timeline of Your Settlement
Several variables can affect how long it takes for funds to settle, including:
- The complexity of your case. Serious injuries or multi-party claims can introduce additional steps and delays.
- Insurance company responsiveness. Some carriers may take longer to process payments than others.
- Lien negotiations. The more complex and technical the outstanding liens, the longer the resolution may take.
- Administrative delays. Weekends, holidays, or missing paperwork can also impact timing.
Every personal injury case has unique factors, so it’s crucial to maintain clear communication with your attorney about the status of your settlement. Experienced attorneys can often anticipate and resolve delays. They can also keep the settlement process moving as efficiently as possible.
Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for Help Understanding Your Settlement Timeline
Waiting for settlement funds requires patience and can be frustrating after dealing with a long legal process.
The timeline varies, but the important thing is that the steps are handled carefully and correctly. From securing your release documents to clearing your check and paying all necessary parties, your legal team should be working behind the scenes to ensure your settlement is finalized properly.
If you ever feel unsure about the status of your funds, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170