Stephen Schultz | October 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve reached a settlement in your Missouri personal injury case, you’re probably wondering: how long until the check arrives in your hands? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Understanding the steps, typical timelines, and common delays can help you know what to expect.
This article provides a breakdown of the process and general timeline, so you’re not left guessing at what comes next.
Key Steps Before You Receive the Settlement Payment
Before any money changes hands, several steps must occur. Skipping or rushing any one of these steps can delay payment. Here’s the process:
- Settlement agreement and negotiation: Before payment, both sides must agree on terms – how much, under what conditions, and what obligations (like releases). This negotiation phase can last weeks or even months.
- Signing the release and settlement documents: You’ll sign a release (or waiver) giving up your right to more claims related to that injury. Until those documents are fully executed, the insurer typically won’t issue payment.
- Insurer processes the payment: Once the signed documents are returned, the insurance company or responsible party prepares the payment. They often issue a check payable jointly to you and your attorney’s firm (or to your attorney’s trust account).
- Attorney deposits and clears the check: Your attorney deposits the settlement check into a trust or escrow account. The bank must clear the check before funds can be disbursed.
- Deductions and liens must be satisfied: Before you receive your portion, your attorney must handle attorney’s fees and case costs, medical providers’ liens or subrogation claims, outstanding medical bills or insurance reimbursements, and all other claims.
- Final disbursement to you: Once all obligations are resolved and funds cleared, your attorney sends you the remaining net amount.
Each of these steps takes time. Delays at any point are not uncommon, so it is important to be patient during this process.
Typical Timeframe in Missouri
From signing the settlement to receiving your check, most Missouri cases fall into a fairly consistent range:
- 2 to 6 weeks is the most common window.
- In some situations, a settlement check might arrive in just a few days to 30 days after the release is executed.
- More complex cases or administrative hurdles can push the timeline longer.
In short, you’ll often get your payment within about a month once everything is signed. Remember, you should never count on payment being instantaneous.
What Causes Delays in Receiving the Settlement Check?
Several factors can slow down or stall the process of receiving payment, including:
- Incomplete or incorrect release documents: Mistakes, missing signatures, or unmet conditions can force insurers to hold back payment.
- Bank processing and “hold” periods: Large checks (especially in personal injury cases) may be subject to hold times for clearance.
- Complex liens, subrogation, or third-party claims: Medical providers, insurers, and other creditors may demand repayment or approval before funds can be dispersed.
- Court or judicial approval: If the case involves minors or wrongful death, court oversight or approval may be required before final disbursement.
- Insurance company bureaucracy or delays: Internal processing, approvals, or multiple departments may slow issuance.
- Outstanding issues in the case: If liability, value, or documentation is contested, even after a “tentative” settlement, insurers may hold off until all facts are satisfied.
- Errors in routing or accounting: Checks sent to the wrong address or account, or mismatches in names or payees, can introduce avoidable delays.
If you feel your payment is taking too long, your attorney should follow up with the insurer for status and documentation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance Today
Receiving your Missouri personal injury settlement check is an exciting and important milestone. It usually takes a few weeks after all settlement documents are signed. However, factors like lien resolution, document errors, or insurer delays can stretch that timeline out.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we work to streamline this process so you get your settlement funds as quickly as possible. If you’ve reached or are about to reach a settlement in Missouri and need help navigating the final steps, contact us for a free case review.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis, MO personal injury attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
