KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A personal injury settlement release is the contract where you accept the settlement and give up future claims.
- Even when the law doesn’t require it, insurers often ask for notarization before they send your check.
- Notarization helps confirm your identity and voluntariness. This helps insurers feel confident the release will stand and speeds up your payment.
Audio Summary:
What is a personal injury settlement release and why does it matter?
This type of document is a general release of personal injury claims.
When you settle a personal injury (PI) case, you typically sign a release. This settlement agreement says you accept the money and give up any current or future claims.
The release is often the final step before payment.
Why do insurers and defendants insist on notarization?
Contract law does not always require you to notarize a signed release for it to be valid.
Still, insurers and defense lawyers usually treat notarization as a must-have.
A notarized release proves that your signature is real.
The notary public confirms your identity and makes sure you signed the document willingly. This helps prevent future disputes.
After a settlement, many personal injury firms follow a specific process:
- Print the release form
- Sign it in front of a notary to get a notary seal/ notary stamp
- Return the original document
The insurance company usually won’t send your check until they receive the completed, notarized release.
In states like…
…North Carolina, a release is treated as a contract.
Even where state law does not require notarization, most insurers still ask for it.
This varies by state law and insurer policies. They consider notarization part of the “proper execution” process.
Notarization helps prove who you are and that you agree to the terms.
This makes insurers more willing to pay without delays.
How your settlement check gets delayed
Here’s how a typical PI settlement works in practice:
- You and the insurer agree on settlement terms.
- The insurer sends you a release form.
- You review and print the form.
- You sign the form in front of a notary.
- You return the notarized original to the insurer or your lawyer.
- The insurer reviews the notarized release and approves your payment.
If you skip a step, like not notarizing the form or sending a scan instead of the original, the insurer may delay your payment.
Why notarization is still used even when not required by law
Notarization ensures legal documents like your release hold up in court.
- Proof of identity and intent. A notary public verifies who you are and that you signed the release voluntarily. This helps prevent fraud and disputes.
- Better enforceability. A notarized release is easier to enforce. It gives better proof of who signed it and why.
- Consistent internal policy. Insurers and defense lawyers often build notarization into their processes to reduce risk and keep everything uniform.
Some insurers will accept a witnessed or electronic signature if they state this in writing.
However, many still require a notarized release.
How to avoid delays and get your check faster
If your check has a delay, the insurer may still be waiting for a properly signed and notarized release.
This is one of the most common types of documents that insurers require a notary public.
Here’s how to fix that:
- Follow the release instructions carefully. Make sure you notarize the signature and return the original copy.
- Avoid mailing delays by using a remote online notary service.
- If you’re in a time crunch, online notary services for legal documents is an easy option to finalize your releases. NotaryLive is one of the best remote online notarization platforms that provide on-the-go, 24/7/365 remote notary services.
When you finish every step, you save time and get payment faster.
Final Thought
If your check is stuck, it’s probably not a legal issue but a paperwork one.
Notarizing and returning your release form as instructed is often the final step before the money moves.
Remote online notarization with NotaryLive can help make that happen the same day the form arrives in your inbox.
With NotaryLive, your settlement release can be notarized online the same day.
How Does NotaryLive Simplify the Process for Mass Tort & Personal Injury Firms?
NotaryLive takes the stress out of notarizing your settlement agreement or legal documents with a secure online notary platform.
No longer do you have to search for a “notary near me” to find a notary.
- Upload Your Document: Submit your general release of personal injury claims through the NotaryLive site.
- Verify Your Identity: Complete fast identity verification using knowledge based authentication and a valid ID.
- Connect with an Online Notary: Join a live video call to get your document notarized online by a licensed professional.
- Download and Send: Instantly receive your digital notarization to return to your insurance company and avoid delays.
No appointments, no travel; just fast, remote notarization that helps get your check moving.
What Makes NotaryLive a Great Fit for Personal Injury Firms?
NotaryLive makes notarizing your settlement agreement quick and easy.
It is stress-free for both claimants and legal teams.
- Anytime Access: Use your phone, tablet, or computer to notarize online 24/7. No appointments. No waiting rooms.
- Built for Legal Workflows: Law firms and insurance teams can manage legal documents with templates, session tracking, and user permissions.
- Simple and User-Friendly: Whether you’re new to this or doing it daily, our online notary service is clear and easy to use.
About NotaryLive
NotaryLive provides secure online notarization and eSign tools that help businesses work faster and more efficiently. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents easily, anywhere, any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally have to notarize a personal injury settlement release?
Not always. For many adult personal injury settlements, notarization is not required by law. However, insurers often make it a condition for payment.
Can I notarize a release online instead of in person?
Yes. Using an online notary is a secure, legal and accepted method in most states. Remote online notarization often uses knowledge based authentication (KBA) to verify your identity securely.
Why won’t the insurer issue my check if I signed the release already?
They may be waiting for the notarized form or the original copy, depending on their policy.
