If you've recently agreed to an injury settlement, you are likely curious about what happens next. As with any area of the law, there is a procedure that is typically adhered to following the settlement of an injury claim. Below, this process is discussed in more detail, as well as your role and responsibilities in it.

What to Do After an Injury Settlement

1. Issue an Order of Settlement

Once the attorneys involved in the case inform the courts that an injury settlement has been reached, the courts will issue what is called an Order of Settlement. This will define the timeframe each party has to complete the necessary paperwork, which is usually anywhere from 30 to 60 days. During this time, your injury lawyer will draw up all the required documentation to effectively resolve your end of the case.

2. Sign the Release

The release is considered the heart and soul of the injury settlement. It outlines the terms of the payment and what you're agreeing to. The release could be relatively short, but it’s not uncommon for the document to be long and involved, packed with legal language and confusing fine print. Always ask your attorney for clarification on any points that are unclear and be sure to sign in the appropriate places to enact the terms of the settlement.

3. Pay Off Existing Liens

During your lawsuit, an organization to whom you owe money may have filed a lien against the lawsuit itself. This means that they would have a claim on some of the money awarded in the event you receive damages. In most personal injury cases, liens are placed either by medical providers/insurers or government organizations like Medicare. Before a lawyer can disburse funds from the settlement to you, they must pay off any existing liens. Finally, you receive the amount of money agreed to in the injury settlement.

The team at Peck & Peck Attorneys at Law will guide you at every step of your claim, from the initial filing to the injury settlement or trial. They have more than 60 years' experience representing Hartford County, Connecticut, in injury and accident cases, including medical malpractice and wrongful deaths. Call (860) 236-4782 or visit them online to schedule a free consultation.