What Exactly Is A Structured Settlement And How It Could Be Beneficial
A structured settlement is an option for plaintiffs to receive a lump sum payment from a liable defendant. These payments are intended to cover medical costs, adjust for inflation, and provide long-term financial security.
They are generally tax-free and can be structured to continue to payouts after the recipient passes away. Whether it is a personal injury, workers’ compensation, or wrongful death case, structured settlements are becoming more common as they provide flexibility for plaintiffs and their families.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
Generally speaking, structured settlements are contracts between the plaintiff and the defendant that provide for payment of certain sums in installments. These payments are usually made via annuities from an insurance company.
There are many different reasons why a settlement can be structured in this way. One of the main purposes is to ensure that the recipient has money for his or her future.
Another purpose is to provide financial protection for individuals who have experienced serious injury or illness. This can include both adults and minors.
This type of settlement is typically used in cases where a person has been injured as a result of the negligence or actions of another. Often, the defendant will be held accountable and the victim will receive a structured settlement to cover medical expenses and other costs that have been incurred.
In some cases, a structured settlement can be used to compensate families who have suffered a wrongful death. Using a structured settlement can allow family members to be awarded a stream of tax-free payments in order to replace income that they may have lost as a result of the wrongful death.
It’s also possible for a beneficiary to choose to receive an initial hefty payment of settlement funds, and then have the remaining payments deferred indefinitely so that the recipient has the ability to save up for major expenses such as paying off debt, purchasing a house or car, and covering the costs of a life-changing medical event.
Structured settlements can be beneficial in a variety of situations, and they’re often recommended by personal injury attorneys. In addition to allowing the recipient to save up for major expenses, these settlements can be very tax-free and allow recipients to avoid high interest rates that could cause them to lose their savings.
As long as a plaintiff has sufficient resources, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before accepting a structured settlement. It’s also important to remember that the terms of the settlement can be changed if necessary, and a personal injury attorney is an excellent resource for accident victims.
A structured settlement can be very beneficial for people who have had serious injuries, but it’s not right for everyone. Some people are more than happy to receive a large amount of cash, but they do not have the ability to manage their finances.
They may spend it on questionable investments, or they might simply be unable to make the most of their funds. It’s not uncommon for plaintiffs to squander their money and end up relying on friends and family for financial support.
In many cases, it’s best for the plaintiff to invest the lump sum in a portfolio of both fixed-income securities and equity-based investments. This allows the plaintiff to maintain control over his or her financial situation and ensure that the settlement is working as intended.
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE STRUCTURED THE SETTLEMENT?
Depending on the size of your settlement, you might have been able to put it toward a mortgage or put it in an IRA. The best part of a structured settlement is that it has been designed around your specific needs and goals. Whether it is to help with your retirement plan or a child’s college education, your settlement money will be managed by an expert. If you’re unsure about the best approach to your money, don’t hesitate to speak with an attorney. The right legal counsel can make a big difference in the way your life turns out.
A well-structured settlement is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your financial future. A properly crafted settlement may also minimize some of the tax and insurance pitfalls that can occur when money is not carefully stewarded. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The best way to ensure that you’ll be in the best financial shape possible is to talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The most important thing is, to be honest and upfront about your financial state of affairs so that your lawyer can guide you in the right direction.
WHAT IS A STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT EXAMPLE?
A structured settlement is a type of agreement that allows the plaintiff in a lawsuit to receive payments over an extended period of time rather than a lump sum. This is a great option for many individuals because it offers peace of mind and financial security in the future.
The exact structure of a structured settlement will depend on the case and the injury suffered. The plaintiff should work with a professional attorney to ensure the agreement is structured correctly. This could include discussions with a financial advisor or economist about how much and how often the plaintiff should be paid.
For example, some structured settlements will start smaller and increase as the plaintiff needs more money for ongoing medical expenses. In other cases, the plaintiff may want to receive a larger lump sum payment upfront and then spread out the rest of the money over a longer period.
Another benefit of a structured settlement is that the payments are tax-free. This is important for victims of personal injury and wrongful death cases because these types of claims can be difficult to prove in court.
Additionally, the payments from a structured settlement can be used to pay off debts. This can help people in debt get a fresh start financially and enjoy the benefits of tax-free monthly income without having to worry about paying annual taxes.
As a result, structured settlements have become extremely popular in the United States. Several state legislatures have passed laws to regulate these arrangements and protect injured parties from exploitation.
Typically, a structured settlement is made up of a series of periodic payments that are guaranteed by an insurance company. These payments are also called annuities.
This arrangement is designed to provide victims of physical injury or wrongful death with long-term income tax-free payments. This is especially beneficial to those who have lost their jobs or are otherwise in need of extra income.
In addition, the structured settlement is often backed by the state. This ensures that the payments are not interrupted in the event of a bankrupt annuity company or other financial crisis.
Finally, a structured settlement can offer the ability to sell parts of a structured settlement in exchange for a lump sum payout. This is possible through a process known as transferability and is available for many individuals in the United States.
The transferability of a structured settlement is regulated by the state where the annuity was issued. Generally, the state will require that the recipient of the annuity obtain approval from a judge to sell part or all of their structured settlement payments.
When you are ready to sell part or all of your structured settlement, call JG Wentworth today for a free evaluation and quote. Our team of experts can answer your questions and walk you through the entire process.
