Your personal injury lawsuit is finally over, and you’re expecting a settlement to compensate you for your damages. But you can’t officially close this chapter of your life until the funds are in your hands (or bank account).
In this article, we’ll go over what to expect after you’ve won your personal injury case, including:
- When you can expect to receive your settlement money
- Where you can go to cash your settlement check
- How to cash (or deposit) your check quickly and safely
If you have bills that must be paid today, but you’re not sure when your settlement check will arrive, post-settlement funding could help you make ends meet. You may even be able to receive cash within 24 business hours of approval.*
If you’re waiting on your settlement check but need funds now, apply for post-settlement funding today.
Key Takeaways
- It could take anywhere from a week to a month (or longer) to receive your settlement check, depending on the complexity of your case and other factors.[1]
- Your lawyer will receive the full settlement amount from the defendant, deposit it into an escrow account, pay off liens (if applicable), and deduct their fees and costs before issuing you a check for the balance.[1,2]
- The best place to cash or deposit your check is your bank, but you have other options if you don’t have a bank account.[4]
- Every bank or financial services provider has different rules and procedures for cashing or depositing a large check, so you should contact them ahead of time to avoid surprises.[5]
- Post-settlement funding can help you cover your living expenses while you wait to receive your settlement check.
When Will I Receive My Settlement Check?
If your case was simple and there are no delays, you may receive your settlement check within a week of your lawyer receiving the funds. However, if your case was more complex and there are one or more processing delays, you may have to wait up to a month (or longer) to get your money.[1]
The settlement check issuing process will typically follow these steps, regardless of your case details:[1,2]
- A settlement deal will be negotiated and verbally agreed to by you and the defendant.
- You and the defendant will sign a settlement release, which prohibits you from suing again for the same issue.
- Your lawyer will receive a check from the defendant’s law office. Then, they’ll deposit it into an escrow account, specifically, an attorney trust account.
- Once the check clears, your attorney will collect their legal fees and costs, and pay off tax, child support, medical, and any other lien made against the settlement. You’ll receive a statement showing exactly how every penny was spent.
- Your lawyer will issue you a check for the leftover balance. You’ll need to sign for it.
- Once you deposit or cash the check, your legal matter is officially over, and you can use the money as you see fit.
If you have any questions about how long it will take to receive your settlement check, contact your attorney.
Why Is My Settlement Check Taking So Long?
Your settlement check may take longer to arrive than you expect for a variety of reasons. Common processing delays include, but aren’t limited to:[1,2]
- Lengthy settlement review procedures (especially for complex cases involving large settlements)
- Lack of cooperation or responsiveness from the defendant and their lawyer
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork
- Lien negotiation (your lawyer may be able to get your bills reduced, saving you money, but extending the process)
You might wonder, “How long can money sit in a settlement fund?” The short answer is: It depends. Your lawyer is required to issue your settlement check promptly, but there is no set timeline. They can maintain control of the funds until all your liens are resolved, but they must avoid unreasonable delays.[3]
Where Can You Cash a Settlement Check?
You can cash your settlement check in several places, such as:[4]
- Your bank or credit union. This is your safest, fastest, and cheapest option. Your bank has safeguards in place to ensure the secure processing of your check, and your existing relationship makes the transaction easier. Plus, you likely won’t have to pay any fees to access your money.
- The issuing bank. If you don’t have a bank account, going to the issuing bank is the next best option. While you may have to pay a fee for the service, you should have no issue accessing your money. However, not all banks will cash checks for non-customers, so it’s wise to contact them before visiting.
- A check-cashing company. If you want your money quickly and don’t want to deal with a bank, a check-cashing company may be your best bet. However, be prepared to pay high fees. Plus, the company may not be able to cash large checks, so be sure to double-check before heading over there.
- In-store cash checking service. Cashing your check at a retailer or grocer (e.g. Walmart) has the same potential downsides as cashing it at a check-cashing company. You’ll likely have to pay a lot for the service, and there’s no guarantee the business can cash a check of that size.
No matter where you decide to go, be aware of check-cashing scams. Make sure the company you choose to do business with is reputable, and avoid giving out check information over the phone.
How to Cash a Settlement Check
Once you’ve decided where to cash your check, here’s what you need to do next:[5]
- Gather the required documentation. Depending on where you go, you may need to present two forms of identification. At a minimum, expect to be asked for a photo ID, such as a state-issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
- Endorse the check by signing your name in the appropriate space on the back of the document. You may be required to sign it in the presence of the bank teller or cashier.
- Verify the bank or company’s check-cashing procedures in advance. The business may have extra security protocols for checks over a certain amount, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Regardless of whether you cash or deposit your check, be sure to get a receipt documenting the transaction.
Can a Settlement Check Be Direct Deposited?
Generally, your lawyer will issue a paper check for the remaining settlement proceeds. However, some attorneys will deposit the funds directly into a designated bank account, so it’s worth asking your lawyer if you’d prefer to receive your money this way. It’s wise to talk to your lawyer well in advance. That way, you have time to establish a bank account (if you don’t have one already).[4]
How Long Does It Take a Settlement Check to Clear at a Bank?
You finally deposited your settlement into your bank account, so it’s natural to wonder, “How long does a settlement check take to clear?” Generally, a check will clear within two business days, but it could take up to seven.[6]
If you want access to your money quickly, your best bet is likely to deposit it into an existing bank account in person.[6] Many banks impose low daily and monthly mobile deposit limits, which could make depositing your settlement check on your phone difficult (if not impossible).[12]
In general, banks must make the first $6,725 of a check available within their standard clearing time. The bank can then hold any funds exceeding $6,725, making them available at a later date.[6] Ask a bank representative if you have questions about when you can access your funds.
Get Financial Support While You Wait for Your Settlement Check
If you’re under financial stress as you wait for your settlement check to arrive, we may be able to help. We’re offer post-settlement funding in most states, except for Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Post-settlement funding could put cash in your bank account quickly, helping you keep your creditors happy while you wait for your check to clear. Our application process is straightforward, and we’ll work closely with your lawyer to provide the best solution possible.
Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
Settlement Checks FAQs
Can I track my settlement check?
Why is my settlement check less than expected?
What happens if I lose my settlement check?
How much will I get after attorney fees and liens?
Can my lawyer cash my settlement check?
Sources
- ADR Times. “How Long to Get Settlement Check After Signing Release.” 15 Aug. 2024. https://adrtimes.com/how-long-to-get-settlement-check-after-signing-release/
- Postman Law. “How Long Does It Take To Get A Settlement Check?” 20 Oct. 2025. https://www.postmanlaw.com/news-insights/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-settlement-check/
- LegalClarity. “How Long Can an Attorney Hold Your Settlement Check?” 14 July 2025. https://legalclarity.org/how-long-can-an-attorney-hold-your-settlement-check/
- Carsten, Chris. Armada Law. “Where Can I Cash My Settlement Check? Options And Tips. https://www.armadalaw.com/blog/where-can-i-cash-my-settlement-check/
- OrderExpress. “Check Cashing Requirements: What Do You Need To Know. 7 May 2025. https://www.orderexpress.com/check-cashing-requirements-what-do-you-need-to-know/
- HelpWithMyBank.gov. “I Made a Large Deposit. When Will the Funds Be Available?” 21 Sept. 2020, www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/funds-availability/funds-availability-large-deposit.html.
- LegalClarity. “How Can I Track My Settlement Check?” 18 Aug. 2025. https://legalclarity.org/how-can-i-track-my-settlement-check/
- Nix, Jessica. The Law Offices of Rickard, Drew & Nix. “Reasons Why You May Walk Away With Less Than Your Settlement Amount.” 20 Mar. 2023. https://www.rdnlegal.com/blog/reasons-why-you-may-walk-away-with-less-than-your-settlement-amount
- LegalClarity. “What Happens If You Don’t Cash a Settlement Check?” 14 June 2025. https://legalclarity.org/what-happens-if-you-dont-cash-a-settlement-check/
- LegalClarity. “How Much Do Lawyers Usually Take From A Settlement?” 19 July 2025. https://legalclarity.org/how-much-do-lawyers-usually-take-from-a-settlement/
- LegalClarity. “Can My Lawyer Cash My Settlement Check?” 14 June 2025. https://legalclarity.org/can-my-lawyer-cash-my-settlement-check/
- Zhen, Simon. MyBankTracker. “What Are Mobile Check Deposit Limits? Know Before You Bank.” 9 Oct. 2025. https://www.mybanktracker.com/news/comparing-mobile-check-deposit-limits
*Funding subject to approval. We typically fund within 24 business-day hours after we receive a fully-executed contract. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for details.
**2X CAP may not be applicable for all types of cases and/or jurisdictions.
Disclaimer
Throughout this website, the term “loan” may be used for convenience to describe pre-settlement funding. However, such transactions are not loans in the legal sense. Repayment is strictly contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If your case is unsuccessful, no repayment is required. Common terms like “lawsuit loan” are used colloquially but misrepresent the nonrecourse nature of pre-settlement funding.
