Jill Kolodner | February 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
Settlements from personal injury lawsuits compensate victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. After a successful case, it is natural to wonder how long it takes to receive settlement money from a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland. The truth is that each case varies, and there are many factors that impact how long it takes to receive a check.
Steps to Receive Settlement Money from a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maryland
There are a few steps in between settling a personal injury lawsuit and receiving the settlement money.
Step 1: Signing the Settlement Release
Maryland law requires plaintiffs to sign a release form before they can receive money from their settlement. This form is legal confirmation that the individual accepts the agreed-upon amount.
Signing the form also releases the defendant or insurance company from further claims.
Handling the settlement release can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The speed depends on how fast the at-fault party processes the paperwork.
Step 2: Insurance Company Review
Once the release is signed, the insurance company processes the settlement check. Some payments go through in a few days, and others can take two to four weeks.
Delays are more common with larger settlements because additional approvals are sometimes necessary.
Step 3: Law Firm Processing and Bank Clearance
Most settlement checks are sent to the victim’s attorney. The attorney deposits the check into a trust account before issuing the funds. A trust ensures that any outstanding medical liens, legal fees, or case expenses are paid before the plaintiff receives their portion.
Bank processing times often depend on the size of the check. Processing typically takes a few days, but larger checks may require a holding period of up to a week before they fully clear.
Factors That Can Delay Settlement Money in Maryland
Several factors may affect how long it takes to get your settlement money, including:
Insurance Company Delays
Some insurers take longer to issue checks. This can be due to internal processing times or a backlog of claims.
Lien Negotiations
If there are unpaid medical bills, doctors, hospitals, or insurance companies may place a claim on part of the settlement. These liens must be settled before the money is released. Lawyers often negotiate these amounts to ensure the final payout is fair.
Court Approval
If the settlement involves a minor or someone unable to manage their own finances, the court must review and approve the agreement before any money is distributed.
Bank Processing Times
Due to banking policies, large settlement checks may take extra time to clear, especially if the amount exceeds standard deposit limits.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Settlement Money in Maryland?
In most cases, Marylanders receive their settlement money within four to six weeks of signing the release. However, if complications arise—such as insurance disputes, unresolved medical liens, or court approval requirements—it could take several months before the entire payout is finalized.
What if There Are Delays in Receiving a Settlement from a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maryland?
If a settlement payment takes too long, the person receiving it might have legal options. Whether the delay is a problem depends on how long it lasts and if it seems unfair.
If the wait is unreasonable, a lawyer can help.
They might contact the insurance company, try to lower certain costs, or take further action if needed. In Maryland, insurance companies must handle claims honestly; if they don’t, legal steps might be necessary.
Receiving Settlement Money from a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maryland
Waiting a long time to receive settlement money from a personal injury lawsuit can be nerve-wracking. Understanding the process of receiving a settlement payment in Maryland can help set realistic expectations. If you are facing delays or have concerns about your settlement payout, an experienced attorney in Maryland can provide insight into the legal side of the settlement process.
Contact the Baltimore Personal Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
