Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

Re: getting your money

It depends upon what the release says and what your contingent fee agreement with your lawyer says, but typically the release is the "gross" amount before the deduction of attorney's fees.

Based on what you said, though, the amount you see might be the full amount you will take home. Clients do not normally receive the actual check from the defendant or insurance company. Rather, the check is to the lawyer, who then deducts the lawyer's fees (and any tax liens or the like) before distributing the rest to the client.

If you have any questions about a release whatsoever, you should talk directly with your lawyer and have them explain exactly what it means, including what amounts you will take home and when they believe the check for that take-home amount will issue. You are entitled to know exactly what you are signing before you sign it.

* Please understand this post is not professional legal advice, it is part of a general public discussion. For a professional review, you should formally retain a licensed attorney who can thoroughly investigate the facts and the law specific to your situation. Please also know that it is always recommended you find an attorney as soon as possible; time limits are very important and can affect your legal rights. *