Truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, and other serious injury cases can take anywhere from months to years to resolve via settlement or trial. So much depends on the specifics facts of that particular case. During that time, countless essential tasks must be completed to ensure the injured party gets the most money possible.
(We know waiting can be difficult, but sometimes being patient is the best choice for a case. For example, a case may simply be taking longer because your lawyer is trying to maximize your financial recovery and get you the most amount after an accident!)
If a case is settled, many victims and plaintiffs often ask “how long does it take to get a settlement check?”
The general wait time for a settlement check varies from 3 to 6 weeks after the case is settled, however, this is very case-specific and can be shorter or longer depending on the facts and situation.
If you’ve been injured, hiring an attorney is generally a risk-free decision. Most personal injury attorneys only get paid if they win your case. Make sure you do your homework and choose a firm that focuses on personal injury cases. Hire a firm with top-notch attorneys focused on personal injury law and as well as a firm with a talented and passionate staff. It is also important to determine whether a firm has the resources to truly take on the big insurance companies.
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, it always makes sense to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The insurance companies are not your friends! Simply put, based on our experience, insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Hire a firm you trust and a firm that has proven results.
A final settlement check is often sent directly to an attorney’s office, as they are handling the claim and dealing directly with the insurance company or insurance companies.
Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, that means they do not get paid until you win your case. If you win or settle, the attorney fee will come out of the settlement or verdict proceeds. A document is often supplied outlining the total settlement amounts as well as attorney fees, liens and other items.
The contingency fee agreement that is signed at the beginning of representation outlines the fee percentage the law firm is charging the client, and it is important to note that in a contingency fee agreement there is never a fee until you win your case.
At the end of a case, whether by settlement or verdict, the process ultimately involves a few final steps before you can get your final money.
Many firms handle the next steps in the process based on internal protocols and state laws.
From a technical standpoint, Wisconsin banking regulations allow banks to hold any type of checks until proof of their validity and monetary coverage exists. In the context of a personal injury case, the general answer to this question is that it depends on several different factors at play.
You can learn more about car accident lawsuits and cases from the following resources:
Call us 24/7 for a free car accident consultation at (414) 276-6666 to speak with one of our Milwaukee car accident lawyers at Gruber Law about your compensation.
Disclaimer: This post provides general information but is not legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.
Attorney Steven Gruber was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family has deep roots in the Wisconsin legal community, as his father, David, founded Gruber Law Offices almost 40 years ago and his mother, Nancy, is a managing attorney with the firm. Steven is an award-winning attorney who focuses on serious injury cases and firm strategy and operations. Some of Steven’s awards and memberships include National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 10 Attorney in Wisconsin by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, just to name a few. He has successfully handled cases regarding serious matters that have been publicized by the Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC, Fox and many other media outlets. At Gruber Law Offices, Steven also manages and leads a powerful team of 130 talented professionals. He is proud to continue the family legacy of positively impacting our community.