A settlement offer may sound substantial, but the amount offered is not always the amount you will receive personally. Before deciding whether an offer meets your needs, ask for a clear explanation of the expected deductions.
The starting amount is often called the gross settlement. What remains for you after applicable deductions is the net recovery.
Understand each deduction separately
Attorney fees are calculated under your written agreement. Case expenses may include items such as records, filing fees, and expert work. Certain outstanding medical bills or reimbursement obligations may also need to be addressed.
These categories are different. Knowing the attorney’s percentage alone does not tell you your final payment. Ask how the fee is calculated and how expenses are treated under your agreement.
A simple hypothetical example
Imagine a $30,000 settlement with the following deductions:
| Item | Hypothetical amount |
|---|---|
| Gross settlement | $30,000 |
| Attorney fee of one-third | −$10,000 |
| Case expenses | −$1,000 |
| Medical payments or reimbursement obligations | −$7,000 |
| Amount remaining for the client | $12,000 |
This is an illustration only. It is not a Gonzalez Muñoz Law case result, a quote of the firm’s fee, or an estimate of your recovery. Your agreement and obligations may produce a different calculation.
Medical reimbursement needs individual review
When another source pays accident-related medical expenses, there may be a reimbursement claim. Outstanding provider balances can also affect distribution. Ask what must be paid, what is still being checked, and whether any amount can be negotiated.
Do not assume every payment creates the same obligation or that every balance can be reduced. Each claim needs its own review.
Ask for the final accounting
Before funds are distributed, ask for an itemized statement showing the recovery, fees, expenses, payments to others, and amount payable to you. If part of the money is being held while an obligation is resolved, ask why and what remains pending.
Keep a copy of your settlement documents and final accounting.
Call Gonzalez Muñoz Law at 305-770-6666 for a free consultation about a Miami-area car accident. We can discuss the difference between a headline settlement amount and the financial questions that matter to you.
Related reading
- How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Florida?
- How Long Does Insurance Take to Pay After a Car Accident in Florida?
- Car accident representation in Miami and North Miami Beach
Official references
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Each case is different; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.