How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Ocala, FL?

Bill Allen | October 19, 2022 | Personal Injury

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Ocala, FL?

If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another personal injury incident, you may be experiencing financial difficulty. You may have been out of work for weeks and receive expensive medical bills. You are probably anxious to get your case resolved and secure a settlement check to help you get back on your feet after your injuries. 

The Allen Law Firm can explain the personal injury claim process and when you might expect your settlement check.

Personal Injury Settlement Process

The typical personal injury claim proceeds through these steps:

Investigation 

The insurance company and your lawyer may conduct an investigation to determine how the accident occurred. This may involve reviewing evidence such as:

  • The accident report
  • Photos or videos of the accident scene
  • The parties’ statements
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Medical records

Demand 

Your lawyer will gather information about how your injuries have impacted your life. They can estimate the value of your claim by considering damages you have sustained, such as:

  • Medical expenses – You have the right to recover compensation for any emergency treatment, hospitalization, and follow-up care you need because of your injuries. You can also receive money for medical expenses you may incur in the future. 
  • Lost wages – You can also recover money for the time you missed from work because of your injuries. You can also recover compensation for any reduction in your earning capacity caused by the accident.
  • Property damage – If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in an accident, you might be able to recover compensation to repair or replace your damaged property.
  • Pain and suffering – Florida law recognizes that you may be adversely affected because of injuries caused by negligence in ways that are not easy to quantify. Nonetheless, you can still recover compensation for such losses as pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

Once your lawyer can calculate your losses, they can send the insurance company a demand letter in which they state the amount of compensation the insurance company should pay to resolve your claim.

Negotiation 

The insurance company and your lawyer may go back and forth about the value of your claim until they decide on a settlement figure.

Settlement  

If you agree to the settlement, you will sign a release form stating that you are agreeing to give up the legal claim in exchange for the agreed-upon amount of money.   

How Long After a Settlement Do I Get My Money?

If your claim has already been settled, you may wonder how long it will take to get your check. Florida insurance laws require that the insurance company send you your settlement check within 20 days of signing a final settlement agreement. 

If the insurance company fails to send you the check within this timeline, it will be responsible for paying interest, beginning from the date of the agreement. 

How Long Does a Lawsuit Take to Settle? 

If your case does not initially settle, your lawyer may suggest filing a lawsuit to help you seek the compensation you deserve. If your case proceeds to trial, the process will take longer than a settlement reached before a lawsuit is filed. 

So, how long do lawsuits take to settle? That depends. A lawsuit may involve the following steps:

  • Filing a petition 
  • Completing discovery requests and answers
  • Engaging in continued negotiations
  • Participating in presettlement conferences
  • Conducting a trial 

The further you make it through the process, the longer it will take to settle your claim.

How Can I Track My Settlement Check? 

If the insurance company settles your claim, it will send your settlement check to your lawyer. Your lawyer will take any necessary deductions from the check, such as to pay medical providers and for legal costs and fees, before providing you with the remaining funds.

If you have any questions about how long your settlement will take, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help with your claim.

An Ocala Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Settlement

An experienced personal injury lawyer can keep your case moving while not sacrificing any compensation you’re owed. They can also help you maximize the value of your injury claim and negotiate a fair settlement.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258