How Long Does It Take for the Release to Arrive for Signature in a Personal Injury Case?

When your personal injury case is nearing settlement, you might wonder: how long does it take for the release to arrive for signature? This is one of the last steps before you receive your compensation. However, the timing can vary depending on the insurance company, the type of case, and a few legal factors. Below, we’ll explain what a release is, how long it usually takes to arrive, and what can delay or speed up the process.

What Is a “Release” in a Personal Injury Case?

A release is a legal document that officially ends your personal injury case. When you sign it, you agree to accept the settlement payment in exchange for giving up any further claims against the defendant or their insurance company related to the same accident.

In simple terms, once you sign the release, the case is closed—you can’t sue again for the same injuries. That’s why it’s extremely important to review the document carefully with your lawyer before signing.

When Is the Release Prepared?

The release isn’t prepared until both sides reach a settlement agreement. After the insurance company confirms the settlement amount, its legal department or adjuster drafts the release form.

Typically, the release arrives within 1 to 3 weeks after the verbal settlement agreement. Still, the timeline depends on:

• How fast the insurance company processes documents.
• Whether multiple defendants or policies are involved.
• If your attorney requests revisions or corrections to the document.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes

Several factors influence how long it takes for the release to arrive for signature:

1. Insurance Company Procedures
   Some insurers are simply slower due to internal review steps or management approvals.
2. Settlement Amount
   Larger settlements (for example, over $100,000) often require more review before final approval.
3. Outstanding Documents
   If the insurer is missing final medical bills, lien information, or attorney paperwork, they might hold off sending the release.
4. Multiple Parties or Policies
   When more than one insurance company is involved (primary, excess, or umbrella), each may issue its own release form.
5. Negotiation of Terms
   Your attorney might need to negotiate the wording if the release includes overly broad or unfair clauses.

After Signing: How Long Until You Get Paid?

Signing the release doesn’t mean you get paid immediately. Once the insurance company receives your signed release, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to issue the settlement check.

The check is typically made out to your lawyer, who deposits it into a trust account. From there, your attorney will:

1. Pay any medical liens or outstanding medical bills.
2. Deduct legal fees and case costs.
3. Issue your final payment, either by check or direct deposit.

Altogether, from settlement to payment, the process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks in total.

What If the Insurance Company Takes Too Long?

If more than a month passes after signing and you haven’t received payment, your attorney can:

• Contact the adjuster to request a status update.
• Send a formal demand letter requiring immediate payment.
• File a complaint with the California Department of Insurance if the delay is unreasonable.

In rare cases, excessive delay may even amount to bad faith conduct, which could expose the insurer to penalties.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

1. Respond Quickly — When your lawyer requests your signature or documents, act fast to avoid unnecessary delays.
2. Stay Organized — Keep your medical bills, treatment records, and lien information ready.
3. Confirm Payment Details — Make sure your lawyer and the insurer have your correct contact and payment information.
4. Let Your Lawyer Handle Communications — Avoid contacting the insurer yourself; your attorney knows how to protect your rights and prevent mistakes.

Example: Typical California Case Timeline

Let’s say Maria was injured in a car accident in San Francisco. Her attorney settled her case for $75,000 on March 1.

• March 15: The insurer sent the release for signature.
• March 18: Maria signed and returned the document.
• April 2: The attorney received the settlement check.
• April 5: Maria received her payment.

In this example, the total process took about five weeks—a typical timeframe for California personal injury settlements.

Conclusion: Communication and Patience Matter Most

The time it takes for the release to arrive for signature can vary, but staying in close contact with your lawyer helps ensure everything moves smoothly. Each step—from settlement confirmation to payment—requires proper legal review and paperwork to protect your rights.

If you believe your insurance company is delaying your settlement, Anderson Franco Law can help you understand your rights and ensure the process moves forward as quickly as possible.