In An Emergency
Law Office of Sean Keshishyan logo
Sean Keshishyan
Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Office
In An Emergency

Pre-Litigation Settlement

Step 4 of 8 · Our Process

Most of our cases settle before a lawsuit is ever filed. A pre-litigation settlement resolves your claim faster, with less stress and lower costs, while still getting you fair compensation.

How a settlement is finalized

  • Agreement on the amount. Once you approve an offer, we confirm the terms with the insurance company in writing.
  • The release. You sign a settlement release that closes your claim against the at-fault party in exchange for the agreed payment. We review every release carefully before you sign.
  • Payment. The settlement check is deposited into our attorney-client trust account, as the State Bar of California requires.
  • Paying liens and bills. We pay your medical providers and any health plan reimbursements from the settlement.
  • Your share. You receive a written settlement statement showing every deduction, and then your net recovery.

Putting more money in your pocket

After a settlement is reached, our office negotiates with your doctors, hospitals and health plans to reduce their bills and liens. Lowering these amounts often makes a real difference to what you take home.

A note about taxes

Under federal law, compensation for personal physical injuries is generally not taxable income (Internal Revenue Code § 104(a)(2)). Some parts of a settlement, such as interest or punitive damages, may be treated differently, so we recommend confirming your situation with a tax professional.

When settlement is not the right answer

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair value, settling early is not in your interest. In that case we move to the next step and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What you can do

  • Make sure we have all of your medical bills and health insurance information so every lien is resolved.
  • Ask us any questions about the release before signing it.
  • Keep your contact information up to date so we can get your funds to you quickly.

Hurt in an accident?

Talk with the Law Office of Sean Keshishyan about your case. Consultations are free, and we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Request a Free Consultation or call (818) 246-6934
← Step 3: NegotiationAll 8 stepsStep 5: Filing A Lawsuit →
Law Office of Sean Keshishyan logo
In An Emergency
In Case Of Arrest
Be sure not to do:
  1. Don’t resist, argue or run, even if you believe the arrest is unfair.
  2. Don’t answer questions about the incident without a lawyer present.
  3. Don’t consent to a search of your car, phone or home.
  4. Don’t discuss your case on the phone from jail or on social media.
It is important to do the following:
  1. Stay calm and keep your hands visible.
  2. Say clearly: “I am going to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”
  3. Remember the officers’ names and badge numbers.
  4. Contact an attorney and a family member as soon as possible.
Call +1 818 246 6934
In Case Of A Car Accident
Be sure not to do:
  1. Don’t leave the scene before police arrive or information is exchanged.
  2. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident.
  3. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
  4. Don’t post about the accident on social media.
It is important to do the following:
  1. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine.
  2. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
  3. Exchange insurance information and get witness contacts.
  4. Report the accident to your insurer and speak with a lawyer.
Call +1 818 246 6934
In Case Of Attempt To Seize Property
Be sure not to do:
  1. Don’t ignore court papers, levy notices or garnishment orders.
  2. Don’t hide, transfer or sell property to avoid creditors.
  3. Don’t physically block anyone serving legal documents or a court order.
  4. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
It is important to do the following:
  1. Ask for a copy of the court order or notice.
  2. Write down deadlines and keep all paperwork.
  3. Contact an attorney right away. Bankruptcy’s automatic stay can stop many collection actions.
  4. Keep records of your income, debts and assets.
Call +1 818 246 6934
Free Consultation
Request a Free Consultation

Tell us briefly what happened and we’ll get back to you within one business day. Prefer to talk? Call (818) 246-6934.

  • Personal Injury: accident and injury claims, no fee unless we recover for you
  • Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 fresh starts
  • Tax Resolution: IRS and California tax debt
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