Judge's gavel on top of money. How long do you need to wait for a settlement check in New York?

How Long Do I Need To Wait For A Settlement Check In New York?

Have you recently settled a personal injury case in New York? At this point, you’re probably wondering when your settlement check will arrive. The timeline varies depending on your case’s details, but in most situations, plaintiffs won’t need to wait long. This guide will break down the steps to getting a settlement check, how long you’ll need to wait, and any delays you might encounter during the process.

Advantages Of Settling In Court

Roughly 90% of cases settle out of court, making it the most popular solution for personal injury cases. Taking a settlement is less time-consuming and more convenient than taking a case to trial, especially if you’re asking for a few thousand dollars or less.

Additionally, the process is much cheaper than going to court. Trials have much higher fees that could eat into your settlement check once you win your case. If you end up with a smaller payout, these overhead costs alone may leave you with barely any compensation once you pay everything off.

Steps To Getting Your Settlement Check

Step 1: The Parties Reach An Agreement

Negotiation can take one to three months, depending on your case’s details. However, this process may take longer if your case goes to trial. After you and the defendant come up with a fair settlement, the attorney drafts a settlement agreement. Always review the entire document in detail before signing.

Step 2: The Insurance Company Processes Your Settlement

After you sign, the defendant’s insurance company is legally required to process your settlement based on the document’s terms. In most cases, they’ll send the check to your attorney. New York requires the check to sit in escrow until it clears, and this process usually takes anywhere from a few days or several weeks depending on the bank. Your attorney will also use a portion of the settlement to pay off medical liens, contingency fees, or any other expenses relevant to your case.

Step 3: You Get Your Final Check

Once your attorney handles all outstanding expenses, they’ll write you a new check with the remainder of the settlement. Most law firms allow you to pick it up in person or mail it to your home address.

How Long Do You Need To Wait?

The exact amount you need to wait for your settlement check depends on your case’s details. Most plaintiffs could expect to receive their check in as little as 30 days. However, there are many reasons why you might experience delays, such as:

  • The defendant doesn’t agree with the terms
  • The insurance company delays the agreement signing
  • Mistakes in settlement documentation
  • Court approval for certain cases
  • Unresolved liens

Learn More About The Settlement Process

Negotiating your settlement is much easier with the help of a reliable attorney. Our New York personal injury lawyers will protect your rights, help you negotiate a fair settlement,  and ensure you receive your money as quickly as possible. Please reach out and contact us at (866) 931-4254 to schedule a free consultation today.