A Burden Lifted
It was late on a Tuesday evening when my phone alerted me to an incoming text message—it was from my personal injury attorney. She had finally received the settlement paperwork and check from the insurance company regarding my car crash case and needed to set up a time to meet. The meeting could either be for that Thursday, or sometime the following week.
I was almost surprised at myself when I hesitated before replying to her message. Part of me was so ready to be done with this case that the sooner I met with my attorney, the better. The other part of me almost wanted to wait until the following week to meet with her, perhaps as a futile attempt to delay the closure I knew I would have to face once this case was considered completely settled. However, after getting approval for an extended lunch break so I wouldn’t have to rush the meeting, I responded that that Thursday would be ideal to meet up and get everything signed.
The next 36-ish hours were a swirl of emotions. I felt happy that the case was drawing to a close, but I once again faced the realization that the justice I had so hoped for with my case was not going to happen. I again grieved the loss of my career, friendships, and my health that had been so altered from the moment my car exploded with the impact of another vehicle. But as I processed through the emotions of the losses I had endured, I began to remember the good things that had happened as well. A giddy-like excitement swept through me as I allowed myself to dream a little about my future and what it would mean to finally be able to start getting the care my body needed in order to further heal.
Thursday, October 8th, 2020, finally arrived. I met with my attorney, discussed the closing aspects of my case, and signed the check and settlement documents. There was a slight delay in getting the document notarized, but thankfully the gracious individuals at a local credit union worked everything out eventually, even though I was not a member with their particular institution. It was a bittersweet moment when I handed that document back to my attorney. However, I was extremely grateful for her support, advocacy on my behalf, and how she went above and beyond the extra mile to make sure I received some sort of settlement with this case. She even graciously reduced her fee and waived all other fees and costs, which was a huge blessing. After the meeting was finished, it was just a matter of waiting for everything to clear so the funds could be dispersed appropriately.
A couple of weeks later, I finally received my portion of the settlement and the letter that confirmed the case had been closed. After nearly three years of battling the red tape of Workers’ Comp, my case was settled. Did it turn out at all like I had thought or hoped it would? Absolutely not. But despite that, when I opened that letter, knowing my case was actually finalized, it was like a burden was lifted off of my shoulders. I could move forward into my future with freedom.
I am beyond grateful to all those who have stood by my side on this journey, who have prayed with me and for me, encouraged me, and never doubted me. From the bottom of my heart, “Thank you!”
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