You thought cashing out would feel like hitting the lottery. Here’s what really happens when the check comes in:
1- “The Amount on the Settlement Letter Is Mine, Right?” 💰
Not so fast. That number is before everyone takes a bite: your doctor, your attorney, that pre-settlement loan company you barely remember but used twice. Your slice is what’s left after everyone else finishes eating.
2- “The Money Shows Up Overnight” 🕰️
There’s no PI Venmo. And no, your attorney isn’t holding your money hostage and using your funds for marketing. After the “We settled!” dance, comes weeks (sometimes months) of paperwork, liens, calls, and, yes, more waiting. Don’t put down any deposits on luxury items the day after mediation.
3- “The Settlement Solves Everything” 🦄
A check can’t heal nerve damage, erase trauma, or buy back lost time. Settlements end cases, not the story. Don’t expect a perfect “after,” just a new chapter (hopefully with fewer medical appointments).
Pro Tip:
Before you daydream about new cars or vacations, ask your attorney for a rough breakdown of your actual take-home amount after medical bills, loans, and legal fees. The truth may sting, but at least you won’t be blindsided.