Q: What can I do if my lawyer hasn't sent awarded money from a judgment?

A: Make sure you do more than try to call them. Create a paper trail for your requests. Attorneys are obligated to properly respond and communicate with clients. It is part of our ethical responsibilities and fiduciary duty to our clients. Put something in writing, return receipt outlining all your attempts to get your settlement payment. If there is no response to that, contact your State, County and/or local Attorney Disciplinary agency. Check if they have any information on file relating to your attorney, are they still licensed to practice law, did something happen to them? And if they are still practicing and still have no responded to you or paid you your settlement money, file a complaint.

A: I'm sorry for the frustration you are experiencing in receiving your funds. Make a written request. Attorneys here could only make general guesses about what may have happened here - medical reason, personal emergency, possible problems in office, complex file to settle in terms of liens, etc. Once you re-establish contact, ask about the reasons for the delays and what input on your part could expedite matters. Good luck

A: Assuming everything you say is true, that would clearly violate an attorney's ethical obligations. You should send a final letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, demanding your portion of the settlement and giving him ten days to remit the funds, after which you will report him to the Bar Association. There is no excuse for such conduct.

A: What you're going through is incredibly frustrating—and it’s not okay that your lawyer has kept you waiting this long without clear communication. If your personal injury case has already resulted in a judgment or settlement, and the funds have been disbursed to your lawyer, you have every right to know where that money is and why you haven’t received it. A delay of over a year, with no paperwork or detailed explanation, is a serious issue.

Your first step should be to send a written demand to your attorney’s office requesting a full accounting of the settlement funds and immediate disbursement of your share. Include a deadline for a response. Keep copies of all correspondence and notes of any attempts you've made to contact them. If they do not respond, you can file a formal complaint with your state’s bar association, which oversees attorney conduct. Lawyers are legally and ethically required to notify clients when funds are received and to disburse them promptly.

If the situation continues without resolution, you may also need to consider legal action to recover your funds or seek help from your state's client protection fund, which exists to help clients harmed by attorney misconduct. You’ve waited long enough, and no one should be left in the dark after trusting someone to handle their case. Your settlement is yours, and you deserve answers—and justice.