Short Answer

In North Carolina, insurers typically issue a settlement check after they receive a fully executed (often notarized) release, payee/Tax ID details (usually a W‑9), and confirmation that any medical liens or reimbursement claims are resolved. Your attorney will deposit the check in a trust account, satisfy valid liens, and disburse your net funds once the money clears. If the injured person is a minor or incompetent adult, court approval is required before payment.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know what you must sign or provide so the insurer can issue your personal injury settlement check quickly in North Carolina. Here, you are already signing a release that must be notarized and mailed while your attorney confirms and negotiates medical liens. The goal is to avoid paperwork gaps that slow the insurer or your lawyer from lawfully disbursing your funds.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, medical providers can assert statutory liens on personal injury recoveries, which must be addressed before net funds are paid to you. Insurers generally require a signed release and tax/payee information to issue a check, and lawyers must disburse funds only after resolving valid liens and after the deposit clears. If the claimant is a minor or incompetent, a judge must approve the settlement before payment.

Key Requirements

• Executed release: Sign the insurer’s settlement release exactly as instructed (notarized if required) so the insurer can lawfully issue payment.
• Payee and tax forms: Provide a completed IRS Form W‑9 for each payee (you and/or your attorney/law firm) so the insurer can cut checks correctly.
• Lien verification and resolution: Your attorney must identify, verify, and resolve medical provider liens and any Medicare/Medicaid or health plan reimbursement claims before disbursement.
• Court approval when required: If the claimant is a minor or incompetent adult, obtain judicial approval of the compromise before payment.
• Trust account disbursement: Settlement funds are deposited, the check clears, liens are paid from the recovery, and your net funds are released with a written settlement statement.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 44-49 (Medical provider liens) - Allows providers to claim a lien on injury recoveries for their reasonable charges if perfected.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 44-50 (Distribution and priority; 50% cap) - Caps the total of perfected medical liens at up to 50% of the net recovery after attorney’s fees and requires pro‑rata sharing.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-402 (Judgments involving minors) - Settlements for minors/incompetents require judicial approval before they are valid.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You are already notarizing and mailing the release—good, because insurers won’t issue a check without it. To avoid delay, include accurate W‑9 information for the payees. Your attorney is verifying and negotiating liens; under North Carolina law, valid medical liens must be addressed before your net disbursement. Once the insurer sends the check, your lawyer will deposit it, allow it to clear, pay approved liens from the recovery, and then deliver your net funds.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: No court filing for an adult claimant. Where: Your attorney sends documents to the insurer’s claims department. What: Executed/notarized release, completed W‑9(s), payee instructions, and any requested lien/benefit information (e.g., Medicare/Medicaid status). When: Send immediately; ask your lawyer to submit a complete package the same day the release is notarized.
2. After receipt, the insurer issues the settlement check payable to your attorney’s trust account. Banks typically need a few days for funds to clear. During that time, your attorney finalizes lien payoffs consistent with North Carolina’s lien statutes.
3. Your attorney provides a written settlement statement, pays verified liens from the recovery, and disburses the net amount to you once the deposit clears.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Minors/incompetents: A judge must approve the settlement before payment; funds for a minor may be restricted and disbursed only as authorized, which adds time.
• Medical liens not perfected or disputed: If a provider hasn’t properly perfected a lien, your lawyer may challenge it. Disputes can delay disbursement unless resolved early.
• Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement: Federal rules require protecting these interests; your lawyer may hold back funds until a final demand is issued.
• Release/W‑9 errors: Wrong names, missing signatures, or incomplete notary blocks cause insurers to reject the package. Double‑check before mailing and use trackable delivery.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with end‑of‑case paperwork and lien questions that are slowing down payment, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.