How long does a part 36 offer take?

Asked by: Natalia White  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (37 votes)

A Part 36 offer itself is open for a minimum of 21 days, during which the other party can accept it and typically receive damages within 14 days plus their costs up to acceptance, but acceptance after this period is possible if the offer hasn't been withdrawn, though costs become complex and may require court determination. The overall settlement process post-acceptance, including fund transfer and final paperwork, generally takes a few weeks, but complex cases can extend this significantly.

How long does it take to accept a part 36 offer?

Part 36 offers have to be made in writing and must state a period of 21 days or more within which the defendant will be liable for the claimant's costs. This is known as the relevant period.

What are the rules for Part 36 offers?

Part 36 offer requirements

If a Part 36 offer is made 21 days or more before the start of trial, it must also specify a period (the “Relevant Period”) of not less than 21 days within which the defendant will be liable for the claimant's costs if the offer is accepted.

How long does it take for an insurance company to offer a settlement?

An insurance settlement offer can come anywhere from a few weeks to several months after filing, with simple cases settling in 3-6 months and complex ones taking over a year, depending on injury severity, liability disputes, negotiation, and the insurer's workload, though some state laws mandate responses within 15-60 days after receiving all information. The actual payment comes after a signed release, usually within 1-8 weeks of agreement, after attorney fees and liens are settled. 

How long does it take to receive compensation money?

After a settlement, compensation typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to pay out, but can range from a few days to several months, depending on factors like signing release forms, clearing medical liens, processing legal fees, court approvals (especially for minors), and the efficiency of the insurance/legal systems. The initial phase involves signing agreements, followed by the lawyer paying off liens and expenses before disbursing funds to you. 

What is a Part 36 offer? UK General Litigation

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How long does a claim take after accepting an offer?

Once a settlement agreement is accepted (either privately or via court procedures), payment is often processed within 14 to 28 days. In many out-of-court cases, insurers aim to settle payments in about 14 days after acceptance of the offer.

What is the longest a settlement can take?

A settlement can take anywhere from a few weeks to over five years to close. Straightforward personal injury cases, like a car accident lawsuit from a rear-end collision, are more likely to resolve quickly. A medical malpractice case is more likely to take several years.

Do insurance companies want to settle quickly?

Yes, insurance companies often want to settle quickly, but primarily to their financial benefit, aiming to pay out the least amount possible before the full cost of injuries or damages is known, and to avoid the risks and expenses of litigation, using tactics like lowball offers and exploiting financial stress to get victims to sign releases. While they prefer avoiding court, they push for fast settlements to cap payouts, cut future medical costs, and reduce financial reserves, even though it often leaves claimants undercompensated for long-term needs. 

How can I track my settlement check?

To track your settlement check, contact your lawyer first, as they manage the process and can contact the insurer or court for updates, especially since direct tracking isn't always available. If unrepresented, call the insurance adjuster or settlement administrator, but be prepared for delays (often 4-6 weeks after signing) as funds are processed and liens are resolved. 

What happens if a claim is taking too long?

If a claim takes too long, it can weaken your case as evidence fades and witnesses forget details, potentially leading to dismissal or lower settlements, but you can push back by requesting written explanations, filing complaints with state insurance departments, documenting everything, and consulting an attorney to take legal action against the insurer for bad faith practices. 

Can you negotiate a part 36 offer?

If a party receives a Part 36 offer, they are free to make a counter-offer, whether by way of Part 36 or otherwise.

Will creditors accept 50% settlement?

Yes, creditors often accept 50% settlements, especially for older debts or when you're facing significant hardship, but approval isn't guaranteed and depends on your financial situation, debt age, and whether you offer a lump sum, with collection agencies usually more flexible than original creditors. A 50% offer is a strong starting point, but you might need to negotiate from a lower amount (like 20-30%) for older debts or offer a lump sum (20-50% cash) for better results.
 

Can a settlement offer be withdrawn after acceptance?

By signing the agreement, both parties are waiving their right to pursue further legal action related to the dispute. This means that once a settlement agreement is signed, it is generally considered final and binding, with little room for modification or cancellation.

In what stage do most civil cases settle?

Most civil cases are settled by mutual agreement between the parties. A dispute can be settled even before a suit is filed. Once a suit is filed, it can be settled before the trial begins, during the trial, while the jury is deliberating, or even after a verdict is rendered.

What happens if you reject a part 36 offer?

According to Civil Procedure Rule 36.17, specific cost consequences arise when a Part 36 offer is unreasonably rejected or left unaccepted. Essentially, if a party turns down a Part 36 offer and then does not achieve a more favourable judgment, the court may choose to issue adverse cost orders against that party.

Is arbitration quicker than court?

Arbitration therefore provides certainty through a binding decision being made, whilst giving participants the options of avoiding a potentially unpleasant court experience. It is quicker and usually far cheaper than the court process and one that is private.

How long does it usually take to get money from a settlement?

After agreeing to a settlement, most people get their money within 4 to 8 weeks, but it can range from 30 to 60 days or longer, depending on factors like lien resolution (paying medical bills), insurance company procedures, case complexity (minor cases are faster), and your promptness in signing documents. The process involves the insurer issuing a check to your lawyer, who then pays off liens (like medical bills) and deducts fees before distributing the final payment to you. 

Can a settlement check be direct deposited?

Yes, your settlement funds can be received via direct deposit if your law firm offers it. Not all law firms offer direct deposit. Some still stick to old-school paper checks. Others might use secure digital platforms that allow for quick transfers right into your bank account.

How much will I get from a $25,000 settlement?

From a $25,000 settlement, you'll likely get significantly less than the full amount, often around $8,000 to $12,000, after attorney fees (typically 33-40%), case costs (filing fees, records), and medical bills/liens are paid, with the exact amount depending on how much your lawyer charges and the total medical expenses you owe. 

When not to accept a settlement offer?

Claimants should consider the long-term implications of the settlement and reject offers that don't provide for future needs. Disputes over Liability or Negligence: Claimants should not accept offers that undermine their legal rights or fail to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Which insurance company denies most claims?

There isn't one single company that denies the most claims across all types of insurance, but for health insurance, data from 2023 shows AvMed, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama had some of the highest denial rates (around 33-35%) for Marketplace plans, while Progressive is often cited by lawyers as aggressive in denying other types of claims. Denial rates vary significantly by state, plan type (employer vs. individual), and the specific insurer, with large companies generally having more denials due to their large customer base. 

What is the 80% rule in insurance?

The "80% insurance rule" in homeowners' policies requires you to insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost to avoid coinsurance penalties and receive full coverage for partial losses; if underinsured (below 80%), the insurer reduces payouts proportionally, making you responsible for more of the cost, a concept also applied to some flood insurance policies. 

What to do if my insurance claim is taking too long?

If your insurance claim is taking too long, first, document everything and send a formal written follow-up to your adjuster asking for the reason and timeline, then escalate to a supervisor, and if still unresolved, file a complaint with your State Department of Insurance, or consult an insurance attorney who can send a demand letter or pursue legal action for bad faith. 

How long does a company have to respond to a settlement offer?

The Typical Timeline for a Personal Injury Settlement

By California law, the insurer has at least 30 days to respond.

What can cause delays in settling a case?

Every case is different, but several issues tend to come up more often than others.

  • Ongoing Medical Treatment. ...
  • Disputes About Liability. ...
  • Insurance Company Tactics. ...
  • Complex or High-Value Claims. ...
  • Lack of Documentation. ...
  • Multiple Parties Involved. ...
  • Negotiation and Counteroffers. ...
  • Legal or Procedural Delays.