What Happens After I Accept a Settlement Offer?

Agreeing to a settlement offer in a personal injury claim can bring a sense of relief, but it also comes with important legal considerations and consequences. What happens after I accept a settlement offer? Once you accept a settlement offer, you will usually sign an agreement releasing the other party from any further liability connected to your claim. This means you forfeit the right to seek additional compensation for the incident.

After that, the insurance company typically issues a check to your attorney, who will handle the distribution of funds, deducting any legal fees and outstanding medical expenses related to your case. You will then receive your share of the settlement.

Important points you need to remember:

• Release of Liability: By signing the settlement agreement, you waive the right to pursue further legal action against the other party for this incident.
• Distribution of Funds: Your attorney will generally receive the settlement check from the insurance company, then cover legal fees, medical liens, and other case-related costs before sending you your portion.
• Seek Legal Guidance: It’s essential to review the settlement agreement with your lawyer to fully understand its terms and implications before signing.

A St. Louis personal injury lawyer from Burger Law can professionally evaluate the document to ensure it reflects the terms of the agreement and protects your rights.

The Settlement Release Form

Once you agree to an offer, you must sign a settlement release form. This document is a legally binding agreement between you and the party responsible for your injury, often managed by their insurance company.

By signing the release form, you agree to relinquish any further claims related to your injury in exchange for the agreed-upon settlement amount. You need to read this form carefully and understand its terms before signing. Your personal injury attorney will review the document, ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to, and protect your rights.

How Long Will It Take To Get the Settlement Compensation Check?

After signing the settlement release form, you expect to receive your settlement compensation check soon. Generally, the insurance company will process the payment once the form is signed and returned. This can take a few weeks or a couple of months.

However, several factors may influence this timeline, including the insurance company’s efficiency, internal processing delays and whether any liens on the settlement need to be resolved first. These may include the following:

• Unpaid child support
• Legal costs
• Outstanding medical debt

In case there are unjustifiable delays, your attorney can expedite the issue so that you receive a timely settlement check.

“Did you know you don’t have to pay taxes on your personal injury settlement? That applies to compensation for future earnings, too. There are exceptions, but most personal injury settlement money including lost future earnings are meant to restore what you have lost so the IRS does not consider your settlement taxable income. This applies to state income taxes in Missouri too, but do your due diligence because there can be some exceptions and state laws differ.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Will My Settlement Be Taxed?

One of the important things to understand after accepting a settlement offer is the tax implications of your payout. Generally, personal injury settlement payouts are not subject to taxes by the IRS if they compensate for physical injuries or sickness.

However, there are exceptions to taxation. For instance, if your claim involves a tax deduction for medical costs related to the injury in previous years, you might need to pay taxes on that portion of the settlement.

Additionally, any interest earned on the settlement amount is taxable. It’s highly advisable to discuss this with a tax professional or lawyer to fully understand your situation and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Call a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney at Burger Law Today

Sometimes, there could be confusion about what happens after accepting a settlement offer. At this stage, you want the settlement paid promptly so you can manage, invest the funds, or pay any liens. This requires professional handling to ensure no legal issue arises after that.

At Burger Law, our lawyers have the experience and insight to guide your case to its conclusion. Call us at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to schedule your free consultation, and we can discuss the next steps after the settlement offer.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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