What the timeline depends on
- How long your treatment takes — you generally shouldn't settle until you understand your full injuries.
- Whether fault is disputed or several parties are involved.
- How quickly the insurer responds to your demand.
- Medical liens or subrogation that must be resolved before you're paid.
Two milestones, not one
Agreeing on a settlement number and receiving the check are separate events. After you sign the release, the insurer issues payment (commonly within about 30 days), your attorney clears it through a trust account, and any liens are resolved before your share is released.
In practice, the check lands 2–6 weeks after signing in clean cases, 30–60 days is common, and complex liens — like Medicare — can push it to several months.
How organization can reduce avoidable delays
Keeping records, deadlines, insurer communications, and open questions organized makes it easier to spot what needs follow-up. SettleFair is designed to help users build that clearer claim record.