For anyone that has an ongoing personal injury case, it is natural to wonder what is involved with the settlement process. After all, nearly every single injury claim does settle at some point. Whether you had a car accident, truck accident, slip and fall accident, or any kind of accident, the settlement process is essentially the same. And it is the same regardless of whether or not you have a personal injury lawyer. Here is the process on how Boston personal injury cases get settled.
If you had a car accident for example, you will need to sign a release from the insurance company. The release will be an official legal document that will be filled with legalese. What it says basically is that in exchange for the settlement money you are receiving, that you are agreeing to close out the case forever, and can never file it again. Once you sign the release, the insurance company will have 30 days to issue you your payment. This money is not taxable under either state or federal law.
At the time of settlement, what also must be dealt with are liens. Any hospital, health insurance, Mass Health, or Medicare liens must be paid out of the settlement. However, this is when it is good to have a personal injury attorney on your side because he can negotiate down these liens for you with the lienholder. This will result in more money in your pocket.
With Massachusetts workers compensation case settlements, there are no releases involved, but rather forms are filed with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents.
Personal Injury Attorney In Boston
If you have more questions about the personal injury settlement process, or other legal questions, call the Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers today for your completely free consultation.