Chad Meyers | October 7, 2025 | Personal Injury
Receiving a settlement check is the final step in many personal injury cases. It’s when your case officially concludes and the compensation you fought for is distributed. While the legal process generally follows a few key stages, not every case unfolds in exactly the same way.
Read on for a brief overview of the process.
Signing the Settlement Agreement
Once a settlement is agreed upon, the terms will be documented in a legal agreement, which both parties will sign. This agreement will outline the amount of the settlement and any specific conditions related to the payout.
Release of Claims
Once the settlement agreement is signed, you may be asked to sign a release of claims form. This form states that in exchange for the settlement, you agree to release the defendant from any further liability related to the incident. This is a necessary step before the settlement check can be issued.
Receiving the Settlement Check
After all the paperwork is signed, the defendant or their insurance company will issue the settlement check. In most cases, the check is made payable to you and your attorney, especially if your attorney has been working on a contingency fee basis.
Once the check is received by your attorney, it will be deposited into a trust account while any fees, expenses, and debts related to the case are settled.
Deducting Attorney’s Fees and Expenses
Before you receive the full settlement amount, your attorney will typically deduct their fees and any costs related to the case. Attorney’s fees are usually a percentage of the settlement, but this can vary depending on your agreement with the attorney.
In addition to the legal fees, there may be other expenses to cover, such as court costs, expert witness fees, or costs for medical records. Once these are deducted, the remaining balance will be available for you. However, not all attorneys treat these expenses the same, so check with your lawyer to be sure.
Paying Liens or Debts
In some cases, there may be liens or debts that need to be paid from the settlement before you can receive your portion of the money.
This can include:
- Medical liens: If you received medical treatment for injuries related to the case, there may be healthcare providers who have a lien on your settlement. This means that a portion of the settlement must go toward paying off those medical bills.
- Outstanding bills: If there are any other outstanding bills, such as unpaid bills for treatment or therapy, these may need to be deducted from the settlement check.
These debts and liens are usually handled by your attorney before the check is given to you. Again, though, these items aren’t always treated the same by all lawyers.
Receiving the Final Settlement Payment
Once all fees, liens, and expenses are settled, your attorney will issue the remaining settlement amount to you. At this point, you will receive a check or wire transfer for your portion of the settlement.
It’s important to review the final amount carefully to ensure that everything has been deducted correctly. If you have any concerns or questions about the final payout, you should discuss them with your attorney before cashing the check.
Contact a Nashville Personal Injury Lawyer at Meyers Personal Injury Law for Legal Help
The process of receiving a settlement check can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case. From the settlement agreement to the release of claims and final payout, understanding each step is crucial to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
If you have questions about the settlement process, how long it will take, or how your legal fees and expenses are handled, don’t hesitate to reach out to your attorney for clarification.
Contact a Nashville personal injury attorney at Meyers Personal Injury Law for a free consultation today.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101,
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
