In this episode, attorney Chris Gorayeb explains the part most injured workers do not expect: winning a verdict does not mean you get paid quickly, or even easily. He walks listeners through what typically happens after a jury award, starting with the near automatic Notice of Appeal that can freeze payment for years while the case moves through the appellate process. He breaks down why companies appeal, often as a delay tactic designed to pressure workers into accepting a reduced settlement just to get cash sooner.

He then explains what happens when the appeals are over but the defendant still drags its feet, including the legal steps attorneys use to enforce a judgment such as liens, account restraints, and, in extreme cases, asset seizures, plus how bankruptcy can complicate collection. The episode also gives a practical framework for deciding settlement versus trial, highlighting the tradeoff between speed and certainty versus potentially higher compensation after a verdict. Finally, he covers how payouts are structured and protected, including lump sums, structured settlements, and special needs trusts, and he flags the reality of liens and fees so workers understand what they may actually take home and why experienced counsel matters after the courtroom win.

About Gorayeb & Associates, P.C.
Founded in 1981, Gorayeb & Associates, P.C. is one of New York's leading personal injury law firms, specializing in construction accident litigation. The firm has represented more than 12,000 injured workers and secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements. The firm provides bilingual legal services and free community education to immigrant and working-class communities across the five boroughs.

For more information visit: https://www.gorayeb.com/en/