STEPS:
1.   Click the Settlement Wizard  screen under the Client Information folder in the Site Plan.    View screen shot.
2.   The Settlement Wizard automates the settlement process and eliminates costly errors.  The Settlement Wizard merges data already in the system such as medical expenses, client expenses and subrogation/lien information with your input to automatically assemble a settlement document.

3.   The first screen provides an explanation of the Settlement Wizard and the function of each of the buttons.  Enter the date settled in the Date Settled field.  This causes ticklers to appear on the Daily Tickler and Daily Worksheet regarding the receipt of the settlement check.  Click the Next button.   View screen shot.
4.   If the client's claim involves prior settlements from various sources such as the defendant's insurance and client's insurance, you must select that prior settlement from the itemized list to see which items have been paid out of a specific prior settlement.  Once you have viewed the prior settlement items, or if this is the first settlement you may return to viewing the unsettled items relating to the current settlement by clicking the Next button.   View screen shot.
5.   The Defendant Settlement screen transfers the defendant's name from the defendant's insurance data entry screen.   Perform the following:
  • Enter the settlement amount in the Settlement Amount field.
  • The Check Recvd box is marked when the defendant's check is received.
  • The Check Deposited box must be marked in order to produce the Settlement Letter.
  • The Attorney Fee is automatically calculated based on the settlement amount.
  • The Include box is checked if you want the client's insurance to be included in the Settlement Letter.
  • Click the Next button.

View screen shot.
6.   The Insurer's Name is transferred to the Client's Insurance screen on the Settlement Wizard.   Perform the following:
  • Enter the settlement amount in the Settlement Amount field.
  • Mark the Check Recvd box when the check is received from the client's insurance company.
  • The Check Deposited box must be marked in order to produce the Settlement Letter.
  • The Attorney Fee is automatically calculated based on the settlement amount.
  • The Include box is checked if you want the client's insurance to be included in the Settlement Letter.
  • Click the Next button.

   View screen shot.
7.   Expense information from the Client Expenses data screen is automatically transferred to the Client Expenses screen in the Settlement Wizard.  The information transferred includes the account number, check number, date the check was written, payee name, description for why the check was written, and the check amount.  Check the Include box if the amounts are to be included in the Settlement Letter.  The check number, payee and description transfer automatically to the Settlement Letter.  Click the Next button.   View screen shot.
8.   On the Medical Providers screen, all information relating to the amounts owed to medical providers transfers from each of the Medical Providers data entry screens.  This includes the provider's name, their phone number for convenient reference, and the amount of the original medical cost.  Perform the following:
  • Verify the outstanding balance with the Medical Provider and enter that amount in the settlement amount field.
  • Check the Verify box after entering the settlement amount.
  • If the amount is to be included in the Settlement Letter, ensure that the Include box is checked.
  • Use the Notes field to enter any relevant information such as reference numbers used by the provider.
  • The provider name and settlement amount transfer to the Settlement Letter.
  • Once the checks have been paid to the providers out of  the settlement amount, return to this screen to enter the check numbers for future reference.
  • Click the Next button.

View screen shot.
9.  On the Subrogations/Lien screen all information from the Subrogations/Lien data entry screen including information relating to notice of claim, itemization and confirmation of payment amount and phone number are transferred.  Any subrogee/lien holder for which notice has been received must have a check in the following items before a settlement can be made:
  • Notice of claim received from subrogee/lien holder.
  • Attorney fee letter sent - stating attorney fees are deducted from claim, if applicable.
  • Itemization of claim requested and received
  • Payment amount confirmation requested and received.
  • Check the Include box for those items to be included in the Settlement Letter.
  • Use the drop-down box to select subrogation or lien for the line item being entered.
  • Once the settlement amount has been paid to the various subrogee/lien holders, return to this screen to include check numbers for future reference.
  • Click the Next button.

View screen shot.
10.  The Attorney's fees are automatically calculated and entered in the Attorney Fee field based on the settlement amount multiplied by the attorney fee percent.  This dollar amount is listed in the Total data field.  You may adjust the fee computation by typing a different amount in the Total field or changing the Attorney Fees Pct. field.   Settlement amounts from the defendant's insurance are listed in the Defendant's line item and settlement amounts from the client's insurance are listed in the Client Insurance line item.  Totals are calculated for the deductions and the balance owing to the client is then listed.  View screen shot.
11.  Click the View Settlement Letter button for the attorney to review a hardcopy of the Settlement Letter.   Return to the individual screens to complete any modifications.  View screen shot.
12.  Click the Complete Settlement button once the settlement has been finalized.  This will assign a settlement ID to all settled items for future reference from the Prior Settlements screen.  View screen shot.
13.  Click the Save and Exit button to save the entered data and return at a later time for completion.  View screen shot.
14.  If you have completed the settlement but made an error in it, you may clear the settlement by clicking the Clear Prior Settlement button located on the Prior Settlements screen.  View screen shot.
15.  The settlement amounts from both the defendant's and client's insurance, as well as subrogation/lien amounts and contact information for these items are transferred to the Settled Cases report.  View screen shot.

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