It is impossible to predict with any accuracy how long it will take for your claim to settle, as many variables outside our control affect the resolution of your claim. Normally, we recommend waiting until you have completely recovered before negotiating a settlement. After you have completed treatment, we order all your medical records, medical billing documents, and any other necessary reports in order to guarantee that we have the proper documentation to substantiate your claim. Claims are usually held up by non-responsive entities–be it hospitals, clinics, auto insurance companies, health insurance providers, or the clients themselves. We strongly recommend waiting to make a demand until we’ve gathered all proper documentation. Most delays occur because we do not want to prematurely make a demand to our client’s detriment. After a demand has been made, settlement time varies on the responsiveness and cooperativeness of the insurance company. Sometimes dragging out negotiations can motivate the insurance adjuster to make a more fair settlement offer. Other times, the adjuster will come back immediately with the policy limits. Ultimately, it is the client’s decision whether they want to settle or push for more compensation. After a settlement is reached, the client must sign a release waiving all legal recourse against the insured in exchange for the settlement funds. After the insurance company receives the release, they will mail the law firm the settlement funds. The law firm must then calculate expenses, the legal fee, and negotiate lien reductions with the client’s health insurance. Once these issues have all been ironed out and the client has granted permission to distribute the funds, the settlement gets distributed.
