In Florida, it typically takes 30–60 days to receive a settlement check after you agree to terms. However, delays may occur due to medical liens, insurance processing, or attorney trust account clearance. Reading this article with the full post-settlement process can reduce stress and surprises.
You’ve settled your case, and now you’re asking: “How long till I get my settlement check?” It’s a fair question, and you’re not alone. While the typical timeline is around 30 to 60 days, there are steps and hold-ups that can stretch that window longer. From legal paperwork to medical billing delays, several factors affect when the money finally reaches your hands. In this article, we’ll walk through what happens after you agree to a settlement, what might slow things down, and what you can do to stay informed. If you’re waiting for your check and feeling unsure, this guide will help you know what to expect, and when to start asking for answers.
What Happens After You Agree to a Settlement in Florida
Agreeing to a settlement doesn’t mean a check arrives the next day. There are multiple steps between signing and disbursement, and knowing what happens behind the scenes can help manage expectations.
Step 1 – You Sign the Release of Liability
You legally agree not to pursue further legal action related to your injury claim. This release form must often be notarized and is then submitted to the insurance company by your attorney.
Step 2 – Insurance Company Issues the Check
Florida Statute 627.4265 requires insurers to issue payment within 20 days after receiving the signed release. However, complex claims or large settlement amounts may trigger internal reviews before the check is sent.
Step 3 – Check Is Deposited Into a Trust or Escrow Account
Your attorney deposits the check into a trust account to hold funds while outstanding liens and legal fees are settled. Escrow processing may take 7 to 10 business days, depending on bank policies and the amount involved. In more complex cases, this phase alone can stretch to three weeks or more.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement Check?
The big question, how long till I get my settlement check after I agree in Florida?, depends on multiple moving parts.
Typical Timeline: 30 to 60 Days
For many clients, the check arrives within four to eight weeks. But weekends, holidays, and the need for additional documentation can push that timeline. In rare cases, especially those involving structured settlements or unresolved liens, payouts may take six months or longer.
Factors That Speed Things Up
- Clear documentation from medical providers
- Quick insurance company turnaround
- No lien negotiations
- Accurate, signed settlement agreement
Factors That Cause Delays
- Hospitals and clinics negotiating medical liens
- Missing signatures or incomplete documentation
- Court approval for minors or wrongful death claims
- Insurance disputes during settlement negotiations
Is 60 days too long?
No, but if you’ve gone longer than that without clear updates, it’s time to ask specific questions and request a timeline.
Why You’re Not Getting the Full Check Right Away
The settlement amount you hear isn’t the amount you take home. That surprises many people, especially when the check gets held or reduced more than expected.
Attorney Fees Come Out First
Most personal injury attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee model, often 33% to 40% of the total settlement. These fees are deducted before the remaining amount is released to you. Fees may also include costs related to expert witnesses, depositions, or filing expenses.
What catches many clients off guard is that these deductions often happen after medical expenses are subtracted. The sequence matters, and it can leave you with less than expected.
Medical Liens Can Freeze Your Funds
Medical providers have the right to file liens to ensure they’re reimbursed for services provided. Attorneys typically hold back part of the settlement in escrow until those liens are resolved. Negotiating those bills can take weeks, and that’s assuming hospitals respond promptly.
“I signed my release, and they said they’re still waiting on the hospital, months later. Is that normal?”
Unfortunately, yes. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be getting regular updates. Your attorney should be able to tell you exactly what they’re waiting on and show you that communication.
When to Worry (Red Flags)
Not every delay is a sign something’s gone wrong. But there’s a point when patience turns into inaction, and that’s when you need to step in.
Here are signs that demand closer attention:
No updates for over 45 days
Communication is part of the service you’re paying for. Silence that drags beyond six weeks isn’t just frustrating, it’s a potential problem.
Inconsistent answers or vague delays
If your legal team can’t give a straight explanation or keeps shifting the reason for the holdup, start documenting your communications and consider seeking a second opinion.
“We’re waiting on the hospital” with no documentation
It’s a common explanation. But you deserve proof. A good attorney will show you the billing statement or correspondence with the provider. Without that, you’re being asked to trust without transparency.
Escrow delays beyond 3 weeks
After a check is deposited, it shouldn’t take more than three weeks to clear under most circumstances. If it does, demand to know why, and get it in writing.
How to Take Control of the Process
You’re not powerless after the papers are signed. Here’s how to stay involved without becoming overwhelmed.
Stay in Regular Contact
A weekly email is a reasonable ask. Even if your attorney has no new update, that acknowledgment alone builds trust and accountability.
Ask for Timeline Transparency
You don’t need legal jargon, you need a roadmap. Ask for milestone dates:
- When did the insurer cut the check?
- When was it deposited into escrow?
- When are lien negotiations expected to wrap?
These are real deadlines, not vague estimates. Push for clarity.
Request Documentation
Don’t rely on verbal promises. Get itemized payout summaries, proof of lien negotiations, and confirmation of escrow deposits in writing.
Every dollar is part of your recovery, make sure it’s accounted for.
If You Are Waiting, Check This Out:
After settlement paperwork is signed, it’s not unusual for people to experience a spike in anxiety, especially when weeks pass without clear updates. Let’s unpack the most frequent concerns we’ve heard from people in your position.
“Did my lawyer ghost me?”
If it’s been more than 30 days since you heard from your attorney, and you’re not getting responses to emails or calls, it’s reasonable to escalate.
A good legal team will keep you informed, even if there’s no new development. Silence should never be mistaken for professionalism.
“Why is escrow holding the check?”
Once the insurance company cuts the check, it goes into an escrow or trust account for temporary holding. For large checks, banks often require additional verification to ensure legitimacy and compliance.
This process can take 7–10 business days, sometimes longer during peak periods or holidays.
But if that explanation is used indefinitely without further clarification, start asking for specifics, like the exact date funds were deposited and when they’re expected to clear.
“I was told I’d get the rest after the lawyer and hospital.”
That’s accurate. Your attorney’s fees and any outstanding medical bills are deducted before you receive the final disbursement.
Still, you should never feel in the dark about how your money is being divided. Ask for an itemized summary of all disbursements. If the math doesn’t make sense, request clarification. This is your case. You’re entitled to know how every dollar is used.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re waiting on a settlement check, you’re not alone. The process is often longer and more complex than expected, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
Delays happen. But when they come with silence, excuses, or murky answers, it’s time to act. Ask the questions. Request the documents. And if you’re still left guessing, find a team that will give you the clarity and care you deserve.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we’ve helped countless clients bridge the gap between settlement and recovery. We’re a connector, with the experience, network, and insight to make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.
Take the First Step Now
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Applebaum Accident Group connects you with trusted attorneys who understand what your case is worth, and how to make sure you don’t settle for less.
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