Getting injured can affect your entire life, from being able to work to being able to walk. Either way, being able to pay the medical bills and work through the pain can cause a deep emotional toll. If you’ve been injured, you might be entitled to compensation to help you pay those bills and cope with the stress. Once you’ve gone through the personal injury claim and have agreed to a settlement, you might wonder how personal injury settlements are paid out in California.
Roseville personal injury lawyers are available to help you throughout the process, from evaluating your claim to negotiating and receiving your settlement amount.
What Factors Affect My Settlement Amount?
All personal injury cases are different, but there are a few factors that affect how much a settlement amount could be:
- The severity of your injuries
- Who is at fault
- The defendant’s insurance company
- Your medical bills cost
- Lost wage amount
- How has your injury affected your quality of life
- The amount of time that has passed since the injury
A personal injury lawyer can explain these factors in more detail and tailor them to your specific circumstances.
Steps to Receiving Your Settlement
After agreeing on a settlement, there are still a few more steps to go before you receive the check. The first one is signing the settlement agreement. This is a legally binding contract where both you and the defendant agree not only on the settlement amount, but you also agree to release the defendant from future liability for this incident.
The settlement agreement will have specific terms that both you and the defendant will agree to. Roseville personal injury lawyers will meticulously review this agreement and answer any questions you might have about it. Usually, the document will also specify the timeline for receiving the settlement.
As soon as the defendant’s attorney receives the document, the time that they must pay you begins. In California, the insurance company must pay a claim within 30 days, but the actual time will depend on the case and how long it takes to process.
Once your lawyers receive the check, they’ll deposit it into the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts. Here, the check will be used to pay for medical bills, liens, or any other expenses related to your personal injury case. You won’t be able to receive your settlement until your liens are settled.
After those are settled and your lawyer has also been paid through the settlement, you will receive the rest. A skilled personal injury lawyer can negotiate for a cushion that provides for pain and suffering following the payment of your medical bills. This can also help pay for future expenses related to the injury.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced personal injury lawyer will have an in-depth understanding of California’s personal injury laws. They will also be skilled at guiding you through the process in a way that helps you feel at ease and that your voice is heard.
If you hire a personal injury lawyer, your chances of receiving a decent settlement are much higher. Lawyers understand what it takes to build a solid case and have fierce negotiating skills that can lead to a higher settlement. A Roseville personal injury lawyer is eager to help you navigate this stressful time. They’re skilled at:
- Evaluating your case
- Collecting evidence
- Working with medical professionals
- Negotiating on your behalf
While only 15% of personal injury cases proceed to trial, if it does, a personal injury lawyer would be prepared to represent you at the Howard G. Gibson Courthouse.
FAQs
Q: How Long After a Settlement Do I Get Paid in California?
A: How long you must wait to get paid after a settlement in California varies. After reaching a settlement, there are still a few more steps until you get paid. The first is signing the settlement documentation. This document signals that you’ve reached a settlement and that your legal dispute has ended. Signing means you release the defendant from future liability. Usually, this agreement specifies the time at which you’ll receive the funds.
Q: What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?
A: It’s difficult to give an accurate personal injury settlement amount because there isn’t a consistent way that it’s reported. Many factors play into how much a settlement might be. These include how severe the injury was, the cost of medical bills, the amount of wages lost due to the injury, pain and suffering, and more. A personal injury lawyer might be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific case.
Q: Do I Have to Pay Medical Bills Out of My Settlement in California?
A: Your responsibility to pay medical bills with your settlement depends on the situation. In some cases, there might be a medical lien, which makes a claim on some of your settlement amount to help pay for medical costs. Sometimes hospitals and doctors file these liens to make sure they’re paid. Insurance companies might also have contractual liens. If you have questions about this, your personal injury lawyer will be able to explain how it applies to your situation.
Q: What Is a Good Settlement Offer?
A: A good settlement offer depends on the personal injury case and the details of the dispute. The amount of money offered will need to cover the cost of medical bills and the loss of wages, along with considering pain and suffering. If you are less likely to win if the case goes to trial, then accepting a settlement might also be worthwhile. A personal injury lawyer can help you weigh whether the offer is acceptable for your case.
Personal Injury Lawyer in California
With years of experience representing clients with personal injuries, not only is our firm compassionate and supportive, but we are also dedicated to securing an optimal settlement amount for you. Getting injured is hard enough without wondering if you’ll be able to pay your bills or return to work soon. The Ward Firm is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
