Once your case settles or you win a verdict, the next question is usually, “When will I get paid?” It’s an understandable concern — after months of treatment, stress, and negotiation, you want closure.
In most Illinois personal injury cases, clients receive their settlement funds anywhere from 30 days to several months after the settlement agreement is finalized. However, a few key steps have to happen before that money reaches your hands.
What Happens After Settlement?
1. Medical Liens and Bills Are Reviewed
Before you receive your portion of the settlement, your attorney will identify and resolve any outstanding medical bills or liens tied to your case. These may come from hospitals, insurance companies, or other healthcare providers that covered your care while your case was pending.
We work to negotiate those balances down when possible — helping you keep more of your compensation. This process is important and required by law in many cases, especially if healthcare providers placed formal liens on your claim.
2. Settlement Paperwork Is Processed
Your attorney will submit the signed release forms and any required documentation to the insurance company. This formally confirms that you’ve accepted the settlement and releases the insurer from future liability in the case.
The faster this paperwork is signed and returned, the sooner your payment process can begin — but it must be thorough and accurate to avoid delays.
3. The Check Is Issued and Deposited
Once the insurance company receives everything, they typically issue a check made out to your law firm. That check is deposited into a client trust account, where it must clear before any money is disbursed.
The trust account ensures that all parties — including you, your attorney, and any lien holders — are paid correctly and transparently.
4. You Choose How to Receive Your Funds
Once the check clears, your lawyer will issue your portion of the funds. A member of our team will contact you to confirm how you’d like to receive your settlement: typically options include picking up a check in person or having it mailed directly to your home.
Why It Sometimes Takes Time
While 30 to 60 days is typical, certain factors can extend the timeline — such as:
- Complex medical liens that take longer to resolve
- Delays in signing paperwork
- Insurance company backlogs
- Waiting for check clearance in trust accounts
We Keep the Process Moving
At The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm, we understand that this money matters — whether you need it for bills, lost wages, or peace of mind. That’s why we work quickly but carefully to move the process forward and maximize what you take home.
We also keep you in the loop. If you ever have questions about where things stand, just reach out — we’re here to make sure you know exactly what’s happening and when to expect your funds.
