Lawsuit Loan Process Provides Much Needed Support

Lawsuit loans provide financial support to plaintiffs while they wait out the legal process. In this post, we discuss the lawsuit loan process and what issues routinely arise. The following are the steps in the lawsuit loan process:

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Investigation and Application

The lawsuit loan process begins with a plaintiff exploring their financial options. Often this exploration involves reading articles on lawsuit funding blogs or reviews of lawsuit loan companies. When a client decides lawsuit loans are something they want to pursue further, they likely will complete an online application form or call a funding company.

Likely the application form will include the plaintiff’s contact information, type of case, and attorney name. From there the form is submitted to the company. More often than not, a lawsuit loan company will call the applicant for some more information.

Based upon that conversation, the applicant will either be denied or pre-qualified for funding. When a plaintiff is pre-qualified, that means the company is willing to spend its time and resources trying to get the plaintiff approved. Simply put, if you are pre-qualified for a lawsuit loan, the company thinks there is a chance it can help you. It is the first step in the lawsuit loan process.

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Chasing Paper in the Lawsuit Loan Process

After pre-qualification, the real work begins. This involves all parties (client, funding company employees and attorney’s office and staff) coordinating efforts to get the deal done.

Initial Contact

The first step in the lawsuit loan process involves the funder contacting the attorney with a request for information. This can include a fax, text, email or phone call. Often it involves some or all of these modes of communication. The request will read something like this:

Dear Attorney,

Your client, Joe Plaintiff, contacted our firm for a monetary advance against the potential future proceeds of his/her lawsuit, which your firm is currently handling.  These funds are needed by your client to pay bills and other necessities of living.  Since our company will not get paid back unless your client’s case is successful, we ask that you provide the following documents so that we may assess the viability of this case.  The documents that we require are the following:

– Incident/Accident Report
– Witness Statements
– Medical Records (ER & Initial Medical Evaluation, MRI’s, Operative Reports)
– Copy of Complaint
– Insurance Coverage Information (Policy Carrier & Limits)
– Settlement Offers/Demand
– Notice of Prior Defect
-Color Photos of Scene
-Payoff from Previous Funder

Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

Funding Company

Lawyer’s Response

Once the initial request is made, the ball is in the law firm’s court and they can handle the request in any number of ways.

• They provide the necessary documents – this is the best choice for obvious reasons and will provide the quickest outcome for plaintiffs in need. Truth be told, more busy personal injury law firms are familiar with lawsuit funding requests. This wasn’t always the case but it is now. The lawsuit loan process is simply part of every plaintiff’s law practice in today’s legal landscape.
• They ignore the request – this is obviously not ideal but the reasons for ignoring the request can range from an unwillingness to participate in the lawsuit loan process to simply not having the time to respond quickly. Most lawsuit loan companies allow 24 hours for a law firm to respond to requests for information.
• They partially provide requested documents – this is a common occurrence mainly because some of the documents requested are not yet available. Under these circumstances, the lawsuit funding process continues on as lawsuit funding underwriters attempt to fill in the gaps during the underwriting process.

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Lawsuit Loan Underwriting Process

Underwriting is the detailed analysis and consideration of the financial risks involved in a particular investment. Underwriting is an essential part of the lawsuit loan process.

Review of Documents Provided

Whatever paperwork is received is passed along to the lawsuit loan underwriter assigned to the file. These can include a copy of the complaint, evidentiary exhibits, photos, videos, medical records, expert reports, etc.

Contacting the Attorney

Once the documents are reviewed, the lawsuit funding process dictates the representing lawyer be contacted. This is usually done by a phone call but is sometimes done with email correspondence, especially if the attorney has worked with the funding company previously.

During the communication, underwriters will ask a variety of questions about the status of the case, settlement negotiations and any foreseeable obstacles or challenges.

Final Decision

Based upon the attorney/underwriter communication and document review, the company will determine whether to make an offer. The amount of the offer depends upon a variety of factors and is normally capped at 10-15% of the case’s expected settlement value. Once the lawsuit loan process reaches this point, the offer is communicated to the client and the company awaits the decision.

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Execution of Documents

When the client decides to accept the offer, the funding process begins. First, a contract is prepared and forwarded to the client and the attorney. Other documents include how to deliver the proceeds (bank account information or overnight delivery address). When the documents are returned, the file is placed in the queue for funding.

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Final Lawsuit Loan Process – Funding and Follow-up

Once money is delivered, clients are at liberty to use the money any way they see fit. Although there are no restrictions on how to spend the lawsuit loan proceeds, most plaintiffs use lawsuit loans to pay for:

• Medical treatment
• Living Expenses
• Rent or mortgage payments
• School tuition and/or fees
• Property damages
• Investments

Delivery of the funds is not the final step in the lawsuit loan process. For the lawsuit lender, the monitoring continues until the case’s ultimate resolution. Some lenders monitor their investments monthly. Others contact attorneys for updates less frequently.

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Before You Go Through the Lawsuit Loan Process

In order to qualify for a lawsuit loan, you must be represented by an attorney. Because lawyers must be active in the lawsuit loan approval process, it’s a good idea to let your attorney know you are applying for funding. That way, he/she is not blindsided by requests for documents and conference calls.

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Any Questions?

If you are a plaintiff waiting to settle your case and are looking for immediate cash, Fair Rate Funding can provide a lawsuit loan to cover expenses during litigation.

We know you have a choice of lawsuit settlement funding companies and are happy to walk you through the lawsuit loan process. To obtain settlement funding in the quickest and easiest manner, please fill out the submission form. One of our agents will contact you immediately and start the process.

If you have any questions, give us a call TOLL FREE at 888-964-2224. We are here to help!

“Low-ball” Settlement Offers – The Reason For Lawsuit Loans

Insurance companies have long made low ball settlement offers to minimize their loss exposure. In this post, we examine the use of these tactics and the market’s response in the form of lawsuit loans.

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Civil Lawsuit Delays

Lawsuits take time. Plaintiffs can expect the civil legal process to last many months and often years. The reasons for these delays are simply built into the system. State rules of civil procedure allow plaintiffs time to file, answer, make motions, etc. These same rules allow the other parties to reply to those filings. Under the rules, time can add up quickly.

The amount of parties attempting to access the system is another factor. This, coupled with the limited resources available to adjudicate private disputes, contributes to what is often referred to as a “crowded docket”. This means the system is overwhelmed by litigants. The solution is that everyone must wait their turn to have their matter “heard” by the courts.

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Delays Cause Financial Strain

Many civil lawsuits involve accident cases where personal injuries result. These include slip and falls, car accidents and various workplace injuries. Often, injured parties are not able to earn as much money as before the accident. In addition, any benefits they might receive in the form of workers compensation or disability may fall woefully short of covering monthly expenses.

Monthly shortfalls can begin small. Over time, they grow and become a major concern. Adding to the growth is the time civil lawsuits take to resolve. Many plaintiffs can expect years to pass before the case is ready for trial. This only adds to the problem.

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Low-Ball Settlement Offers Arise

Of course, delays do not affect all the parties in the same way. Defendants in many civil actions are represented by lawyers hired by insurance companies who are paid to mitigate civil lawsuits. For example, most automobile drivers are covered by insurance companies who insure against losses that arise out of negligence. These insurers are on the hook for payment if their policy holders are negligent. Accordingly, thousands of attorneys work for negligent parties on behalf of their insurance companies.

The delay actually helps insurers because it moves their exposure down the timeline. Many also use the delay to leverage the financial strain many plaintiffs encounter after their losses. One way is to offer less than fair settlement value to these plaintiffs hoping it will be accepted. These low-ball settlement offers limit losses. The strategy is legitimate because the offers need not be accepted. But, some plaintiffs simply cannot wait out the process. Low ball settlement offers take advantage of this situation.

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Lawsuit Loans – Refusing Low Ball Settlement Offers

In response to the low ball settlement offer tactics used by insurers and outlined above, market participants created specialty finance products called “lawsuit loans”. These companies advance money to plaintiffs who need financial support while their case is still pending.

Advancing money to plaintiffs was/is not new. Many attorneys would advance their clients money prior to settlement. Many states prohibit the practice however. Others allow living expenses to be fronted by attorneys so long as the client does not need to repay the advance with interest or other charges.

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What a Lawsuit Loan Is

Lawsuit loans are financial transactions in which a plaintiff will transfer a portion of the potential settlement proceeds to a lawsuit funding company in return for immediate cash. Although these transactions are called lawsuit loans, they are technically not really loans at all. Instead, they are an assignment of property rights in the potential settlement. Essentially, the plaintiff “sells” a portion of the settlement in advance.

When the case is successfully resolved, the advance is repaid according to the terms of the agreement. The repayment is calculated using lawsuit loan rates and is determined by how long it takes for the case to conclude.

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What Lawsuit Loans Are NOT

Lawsuit loans are NOT loans in the traditional sense. Traditional loans imply repayment at some point in the future. Lawsuit loans are not repaid if the case is lost. This is the primary difference. Also, settlement loans are non-recourse. This means that the lawsuit “lender” cannot pursue the plaintiff personally for repayment. Instead, repayment must come from the lawsuit’s recovery itself.

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What are the Benefits of Lawsuit Loans

Lawsuit loans have unique features other than simply refusing low ball settlement offers. These include:

• No credit checks – credit is irrelevant for lawsuit funding because no periodic payments are made.
• No income verification – again, cash flow is not important because no monthly payments are due.
• No personal obligation – the lawsuit itself is the source of repayment.
• Free to apply – lawsuit funding applications are Free.
• Extremely quick approval – lawsuit loans are processed in as little as 12 hours. Same day lawsuit loans are not uncommon.

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For More Information – Contact Fair Rate Funding

Obtaining lawsuit loans and declining low ball settlement offers is easy and straightforward.  Simply contact us and start the lawsuit funding process.  With your permission, we contact your attorney and discuss the case.  Once approved, we send you over a contract.  When we receive the signed copy, we send your cash via wire or overnight carrier.

Call us now on 888-964-2224 if you have any questions or fill out the online form to start the process.

Thank you for your interest in lawsuit loans.

How Much Lawsuit Funding is Available (the 10% Rule)

Lawsuit loan amounts depend on a variety of factors. In this post, we examine how much lawsuit funding is available and what variables routinely come into play when calculating lawsuit loan amounts.

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How Much Lawsuit Funding Depends On:

Lawsuit loan amounts depend on a bunch of things. Consider the impact of the following:

Type of Case

How much lawsuit funding can depend on the type of lawsuit. For example, lawsuit loans on regular negligence lawsuits such as car accidents or slip and fall cases, can differ from medical or legal malpractice cases. How much lawsuit funding depends on how lawsuit funding companies assess risk. Thus, although reasons for different funding amounts based upon case type vary, an examination of risk by lawsuit funding underwriters is the determining factor. What risks are the underwriters determining? Please see the next section.

Strength of Liability

Lawsuit loan underwriting consists of analyzing the likelihood of success. For most cases, this is an examination of liability, damages and the ability of the defendant to pay the recovery. Without an adequate assessment of these three aspects of civil cases, there is no lawsuit business.

Liability then, is the first hurdle that must be overcome. Consider a car wreck where both parties say they had a green light. Because a jury might find for one party over the other, both sides must adjust their settlement expectations. Compare this scenario with one where one party is clearly at-fault. Under these circumstances, the only issue left is the extent of the damages.

Potential settlement value for the latter case should be higher with similar injuries and economic loss. Thus how much lawsuit funding is available to the injured plaintiff will also be higher.

Damages and How Much Lawsuit Funding

Personal injury damages is a complicated affair but will have a significant impact on how much lawsuit funding is available to certain plaintiffs. Remember, the “heavier” the case (the larger the potential settlement value), the more lawsuit funding is generally available. Cases with higher potential will have access to a larger amount of funds because lawsuit loan amounts are offered at a percentage of the potential value. More on this later in the post.

Amount of Coverage

Similar to damages above, the ability to pay any recovery is of paramount importance. A judgment against a defendant with no money is of no value to anyone. For this reason, available insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement in most lawsuit funding applications. In cases where coverage is limited, how much lawsuit funding will be lessened by the insurance limits.

Expected Duration

Once the lawsuit is formally started, opposing counsel appears as the two parties litigate the matter. The clock begins to run as both sides wait for the trial date.

Because lawsuit funding companies are concerned with the amount of time it takes for their capital to be returned, assessing what stage in the formal proceedings is also important when determining approval amounts. In certain instances a lawsuit lender might want a quick return of capital. In others, a longer duration will mean the money is earning for a longer period of time. Thus, an underwriter’s assessment of how much time is expected to elapse before the matter is resolved could affect the funding amount offered.

Choice of Counsel (How Much Lawsuit Funding)

Choice of counsel might also affect how much lawsuit funding is available for an applicant. Attorney resources can play a significant role is case value in some circumstances. Consider a solo practitioner who takes on a large corporation in a product liability lawsuit. With limited resources, the small firm might be inclined to “sell” a settlement offer to a client whereas a larger firm with more access to capital might be inclined to wait out a higher offer. For this reason, lawsuit funding underwriters weigh choice of counsel as part of their process.

Plaintiff’s Needs

When applying for an advance, plaintiffs are often asked how much lawsuit funding they need. Some simply reply with “max”. Others only ask for the small amount needed for some immediate financial obligation. Maximum settlement loan amounts are determined by an applicant’s request or limited by the determination of potential case value as applied to the 10% Rule described below.

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The 10% Rule (The Magic Ratio)

The 10% rule is a general rule of thumb that limits lawsuit loan approval amounts to 10% of the subjective future settlement value of the case.

Potential settlement values are determined by weighing certain factors including those mentioned previously in this post. When lawsuit funding underwriters consider these factors, they then predict a likely settlement offer and amount. Based upon that prediction, a lawsuit funding company will offer up to 10% of that amount to the applicant.

The idea of the 10% ratio is to leave enough money in the case so the plaintiff will continue to pursue the matter. A case without a willing plaintiff is no case at all. And if there is no case, a lawsuit lender’s investment is worthless.

The 10% rule is not a strict rule however, as variables such as previous offers and case duration can increase how much lawsuit funding is available. It is not uncommon for the ratio to reach 20% or greater depending on the value of the case. Multi-million dollar settlement values will likely increase the ratio above the 10% rule in most cases.

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Learn More

The best way to find out how much lawsuit funding is available is to give us a call. You will speak to a live person who will answer all of your questions. If you are considering lawsuit funding, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and are at your service.

Thank you for your interest in Fair Rate Funding.

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What Makes a Lawsuit Fundable?

At Fair Rate Funding, we get funding requests for a wide variety lawsuit types. Fortunately, we are able to help many of these plaintiffs. There are limits however. In this post, we examine what makes up a fundable lawsuit and delve into the reasons why.

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The Structure of Lawsuit Loans

Lawsuit loans are financial agreements where a plaintiff sells a portion of their settlement ahead of time. The deals are structured as an assignment of future proceeds and as such, a sale of property rights under the law. In other words, the lawsuit “lender” purchases part of the settlement. That is its investment.

Although referred to as lawsuit loans or settlement loans, these transactions are not actually loans in the traditional sense of the word because with traditional loans, repayment is implicit in the agreement.

With lawsuit “loans”, repayment is contingent upon a successful outcome. That is, if there is no settlement or recovery, the lender gets nothing for its investment. A fundable lawsuit then is one with a high probability of success.

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What Fundable Lawsuits Means

It is the unique nature of lawsuit loans that makes the question, “what makes a lawsuit fundable?” important. Below we examine what lawsuit lenders look for in a fundable lawsuit.

Strong Liability

Having a case with strong liability is a must in a fundable lawsuit. Consider an automobile accident where one car rear ends another car. The law states the following car is at fault for the accident because more following distance would likely given the driver more time to stop, thus avoiding the crash.

Rear end automobile accidents are the gold standard for fundable lawsuits as far as liability is concerned. This is simply because liability is clear under the law. Other facts or case types may involve other liability issues that may not be as clear.

Significant Damages

Damages are the reason why a lawsuit is initiated in the first place. The most fundable lawsuits have clear and severe damages.

For example, a personal injury lawsuit where the plaintiff can no longer work would likely be a fundable case. In addition, pain and suffering damages, although more difficult to precisely quantify, are good candidates for funding.

Because there is a limit to the amount a lawsuit lender is willing to advance plaintiffs, the larger the potential damages, the larger amount of cash is available to plaintiffs in need.

The Ability to Collect

Winning a lawsuit is only part of the battle. The other part is getting paid. Despite winning the case, collecting a judgment may be troublesome for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the defendant has no money and is not covered by an insurance policy. Accordingly, cases with uninsured defendants are rarely fundable lawsuits.

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Other Considerations

Contingency Fee Attorney

All plaintiffs with fundable lawsuits are represented by counsel. Having an attorney on your side is a major requirement for lawsuit funding transactions. Contingency fee retainers allow plaintiffs to access the legal system without having to pay hourly fees to their lawyers. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is “contingent” on a successful outcome and are the norm with fundable cases. Thus, having an attorney who is paid only if successful is a prerequisite.

Friendly Jurisdictions

Despite calls to regulate the lawsuit funding industry, lawsuit loans are unregulated in many jurisdictions. Some states have outlawed lawsuit loans as against public policy. Others have so regulated the business that a profit cannot realistically be pursued. Thus, fundable lawsuits must be brought in states which recognize the benefits of lawsuit loans and protect its market participants.

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Fundable Lawsuits Case Types

Certain lawsuits are good candidates for funding simply because most of the above are satisfied in routine cases. These include:

• Animal & Dog Bites
• Amusement Park Accidents
• Automobile Accidents
• Asbestos Cases
• Aviation Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Defective Products
• Maritime cases
• Medical Malpractice
• Mesothelioma
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Nursing Home Negligence
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premises Liability
• and others . . .

If you have a lawsuit, an attorney and need financial support, you are eligible to apply for fast lawsuit loans as a possible solution. To get started, simply contact us or give us a call. We are here to help and are at your service.

Thank you for your interest in the most common lawsuit loans and Fair Rate Funding.

Remember, although lawsuit loans are considered for these case types, each matter is evaluated individually before it can be considered a fundable lawsuit.

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What Makes Fundable Lawsuits

A fundable lawsuit is one which meets the underwriting criteria of a lawsuit lender. Above, we discussed some common characteristics most fundable cases share. If you have any questions regarding whether your lawsuit is a candidate, give us a call. The call is free and you are under no obligation whatsoever.

Thank you for your interest in Fair Rate Funding.

Lawsuit Loans Applicants Can Simplify the Process

Applying for lawsuit loans has never been easier. In this post, we examine how to apply for lawsuit loans in the best possible manner. Applying properly for lawsuit funding can greatly increase your chances of success and tap into the advantages of lawsuit loans.

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Applying for Lawsuit Loans on the Phone

One way to apply for lawsuit loans is to call a lawsuit funding company directly. How to shop for a lawsuit funding company is a different topic altogether but most, if not all lawsuit lenders will have a toll free phone number for you to call.

Dialing directly has the advantage of you actually speaking to a live person. On the call, prospective applicants can avoid giving sensitive information if they are so inclined.

Using this method, you may have to wait in a queue to apply for lawsuit loans as most lawsuit funders use automated phone systems. These can be tiresome for many who are wanting quick answers to their lawsuit funding questions prior to application.

We understand this may be a concern for some and we know your time is valuable. When you call Fair Rate Funding to apply for lawsuit loans, you will speak to a live representative who will answer your questions on the spot. You can then move on to other personal business and let us work on your lawsuit funding application. We are here to help after all.

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Online Inquiries

All high ranking lawsuit loan companies have online application forms right on their websites. These forms take down your basic information and some information about your case. The good thing about the online form is that you don’t speak directly to a lawsuit funding company at the time of application. You can also apply for lawsuit loans with multiple funders quickly.

The lawsuit loan approval process is not done online, however. At some point, lenders want to speak with plaintiffs directly. Most online forms just give lenders the ability to see what your case is generally about. For larger funders, they are able to prioritize funding leads in the order in which they will most likely be able to help. That is, the most “fundable” cases are called first. These include automobile accidents, slip and fall cases, etc. Eventually, plaintiffs with more exotic case types will be contacted.

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Lawsuit Loan Prerequisites

Most lawsuits are possible candidates for funding. However, some eligibility requirements routinely arise when applying for lawsuit loans.

First, you must have a valid claim/lawsuit. This is obvious since without a case/claim, there would be no applying for lawsuit loans.

Second, you need to be 18 years or older. 18 years is the age of majority in the United States. Contracts with persons under 18 years old generally can be rendered void if the minor wants to discharge their obligations under the agreement. The idea is that younger people lack the education and experience to make legal decisions.

Third, you must be represented by an attorney and the attorney paid on a contingency fee arrangement. Lenders will not fund pro se plaintiffs (those who represent themselves in court). They want professionals handling the cases they invest in. Although there are some exceptions, the contingency fee arrangement is also mandatory. Lawsuit lenders want to see attorneys have a stake in the outcome of the case. That is why generally speaking, plaintiff lawsuit loans are not given to pay for attorney’s fees.

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What’s the Best Way to Apply for Lawsuit Loans?

Online forms often merely serve as a screening tool for lawsuit funding companies. The best way to contact a lender is to contact them via telephone. As stated above, applying for a lawsuit loan must consist of a phone call anyway. Why not just cut to the chase and dial direct?

Further, all questions regarding the lawsuit loan process can be asked and answered during the initial call. When applying for lawsuit loans, it’s always best to avoid surprises regarding contract terms and lawsuit loan costs. These issues can be resolved early on in the process with a simple phone call.

We know you have a choice in lawsuit funding companies. We thank you for your interest in how to apply for lawsuit loans and for choosing Fair Rate Funding.

Lawsuit Loans Get Better Settlement Offers

Higher lawsuit settlements are the goal of every plaintiff’s lawyer. Having the time to do so may not always be possible. Lawsuit loans attempt to level the playing field between litigants and insurance companies. The purpose of settlement loans is to allow plaintiffs to meet their financial needs while the lawsuit moves through the legal system. This post discusses how lawsuit loans can lead to higher lawsuit settlements for plaintiffs.

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Flaws in the Legal System

It can be argued that the United States legal system is the best system in the world. Laws based upon individual rights and fairness serve the best interests of all parties involved in civil disputes. Based in old English common law, the American civil legal process strives to resolve disputes fairly and amicably.

Speedy Trials in Civil Cases

As good as the system is, there are some flaws. One such limitation involves the time it takes for a civil case to be adjudicated.

Consider that criminal defendants have certain rights that civil litigants do not have. One such right is written in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads:

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial . . .

United States Constitution, Sixth Amendment

While the Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, no such guarantee exists in the civil legal system. The idea is that the loss of individual liberty is so protected the courts must pursue the matter in a timely fashion. Where civil cases are decided, there is no such urgency in terms of life and/or liberty.

Only So Many Resources Available

The legal system is supported by local municipalities, counties, states and the federal government. Only the federal government can print and spend as they see fit. The remainder of these governments must tax and spend the money they collect. Accordingly, taxpayers are only willing to pay so much before they start protesting local politicians. Thus, there are finite resources available to certain public services. Adjudicating private disputes among parties is one such service.

Timing Issues Can Affect Outcomes

The net result of limited resources is a time delay in the adjudication of civil lawsuits. As society became more and more complex, more disputes naturally arose. This led to the condition known as a crowded docket. The condition persists today.

Crowded dockets essentially mean there are more cases than resources can handle. Cases are thus decided as they are filed. As a result, plaintiffs can expect many months and most likely years will elapse before their cases are heard.

Of course, there is the possibility of settlement before filing a complaint. However, more serious cases are likely to be “put in suit” because higher lawsuit settlements are at stake. Defense carriers (insurance companies) are likely to defend these cases to the end.

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Low Ball Settlement Offers Negate Higher Lawsuit Settlements

The goal of plaintiff attorneys is higher lawsuit settlements. In personal injury cases, plaintiff lawyers are paid on a contingency fee arrangement. The higher the lawsuit settlement, the larger the fee.

Plaintiffs also want higher lawsuit settlements but in many cases are unable to wait out the process. Facing financial strain, especially if they are not able to work due to injury, many are forced to accept less than fair compensation simply to meet their immediate financial needs.

Lawyers may “know” they can settle the case for more money if the matter is allowed to go through the process. The longer the case matures, the greater the risk of trial. And at trial, anything can happen.

Unfortunately, insurers and their attorneys are only too happy to allow the cases to drag on. To delay responsibility is to deny responsibility – even if it is only temporary.

In response to this situation, and in an effort to earn higher lawsuit settlements, the lawsuit loan industry began.

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Lawsuit Loans Help Plaintiffs

Lawsuit loans are specialty financial transactions where a lawsuit funding company (Fair Rate Funding) provides immediate cash to a plaintiff. In return, the plaintiff pledges a portion of the future settlement. The idea is to avoid having to accept low-ball settlement offers and have the ability to wait out the legal process. Ultimately, lawsuit loans help plaintiffs obtain higher lawsuit settlements.

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Are Lawsuit Loans Actually Loans?

Lawsuit loans differ from traditional loans in the following important respects:

First, the lawsuit recovery is the only source of repayment under a lawsuit loan agreement. That means a lawsuit “lender” cannot pursue the plaintiff personally for repayment. Second, lawsuit loans are only repaid if the case is successful. If the case is lost, the lawsuit loan is not repaid. Contrast this with a traditional loan which must be paid off in the future with interest.

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How Do Lawsuit Loans Produce Higher Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

All insurers want to pay as little as possible for claims. It’s simply business. Part of the civil legal system ensures they don’t take it too far. How far is too far? That’s why lawyers get involved.

Lawsuit loans allow lawyers to do their jobs. They are experts in presenting information to the court and have experience of what similar fact patterns receive as compensation. Good attorneys regularly secure higher lawsuit settlements than would be available without their assistance.

As previously mentioned, the closer the case gets to trial, the more leverage on the insurer to put a fair settlement value on the file. It’s not surprising that refusing initial settlement offers results in higher lawsuit settlement amounts later on in the process.

Lawsuit loans simply give plaintiffs the ability to secure higher lawsuit settlements by allowing them to meet their immediate financial concerns while they allow their lawyers to get the best possible settlement result.

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How To Learn More

Learning about settlement funding is quick and easy. Simply fill out this submission form or give us a call at 888-964-2224. An agent will immediately contact you and will answer any questions you might have.

Thank you for your interest in higher lawsuit settlements and for choosing Fair Rate Funding.

Is It Possible to Get More Than One Settlement Loan?

Of course, the answer is that it depends. In this article we examine multiple settlement loans, how and why they occur and some limitations on the practice.

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What are Settlement Loans?

Settlement loans are financial transactions where a lawsuit lender provides immediate cash to a plaintiff in exchange for a portion of a future settlement. Because the transaction is an advance, these deals are not “loans” in the traditional sense of the word, since it is only repaid if the case is successful.

Thus, settlement loans are non-recourse funding options for plaintiffs who cannot qualify for other types of financial liquidity arrangements.

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Why Multiple Settlement Loans?

Typical settlement loans occur when plaintiffs have exhausted other opportunities to access cash. These might include:

• loans from friend or family
• cash out mortgage refinancing
• early withdrawal of retirement funds
• sale of financial or other assets
• loans from life insurance
• and others. . .

Simply put, the purpose of settlement loans is to allow plaintiffs to pay their expenses while they wait for their cases to resolve. With financial support, plaintiffs can reject low-ball settlement offers and allow their attorneys to fight for every nickel.

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How Multiple Settlement Loans Occur

Multiple settlement loans can occur because a plaintiff needs more money to meet his/her needs. This is common as the majority of lawsuit loan clients apply for and receive multiple lawsuit loans.

Lawsuit lenders will generally consider multiple fundings if there is enough “room” in the case. Based upon certain underwriting considerations, a lender will generally advance money up to a certain ratio of loan amount to settlement value. Depending on variables such as venue, insurance coverage, and expected duration of the case, lenders will advance up to 10-20% of the case’s settlement value. Until that ratio is reached, settlement funders will likely advance money multiple times to clients.

In some instances, the initial “lender” refuses to advance additional money. Reasons might include too much exposure to a certain case type, the need for portfolio liquidity or the company feels the case is sufficiently funded. When this occurs, plaintiffs often seek other sources of funds or even engage other settlement loan providers for additional support.

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Multiple Lawsuit Loan Issues

When multiple settlement loans are sought without the original funder’s involvement, some important issues naturally arise. These include:

Multiple Settlement Loan Buyouts

Contractual language in MOST lawsuit funding contracts prohibits the advancing of money to a plaintiff without simultaneously paying the initial advance(s) off in full. That is, multiple settlement loans by different funders are not generally allowed. “Funding behind” an existing lawsuit loan company is frowned upon in the industry and fails to meet the best practices guidelines as expressed years ago by the New York Attorney General.

Despite these means of self-regulation, multiple fundings can occur. This can be a result of miscommunication on behalf of the client, attorney and lender. Multiple contracts can also occur if one attorney is fired and new counsel retained. If the account is not monitored correctly, the funding agreement sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork between the two offices. These are just two examples.

Mistakes Can and Do Happen

When multiple settlement loans occur, whether intentional or by mistake, it can become a dicey situation. The first funder will likely want lien priority since they were the first to advance money. Remember, “funding behind” the original advance without satisfying the initial lien is against the contractual language. If this issue were to be litigated in court, the first funder would have a strong argument in favor of a primary position.

In real world practice however, compromise is usually the solution. All parties are intimately aware of the cost of litigation. Most funding companies will reduce their payoffs and simply move on if it is in there best interests to do so.

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Multiple Funding Takeaways

As you can see, multiple settlement loans are common. Lawsuit funding is a flexible liquidity option for plaintiffs who need financial support. Plaintiffs benefit from smaller advances because they use the money as the need arises. This avoids having to pay “use fees” on money that will not be needed until later on.

While multiple fundings help plaintiffs, some limitations still exist. As mentioned above, only a finite amount of funding is available. Additionally, best practices dictate that a previous funder must be “bought out” of their position if additional money is advanced by a competing entity.

We hope this post helps you in understanding more about multiple settlement loans and the lawsuit funding industry. Thank you for your interest in multiple settlement loans and Fair Rate Funding.

What to Expect When Going to Trial

Recent technologies allow us to see the reality behind trials in particular and the legal system works in general. Prior to these advances, much of what we learned about civil trial expectations came from books, movies or the occasional Matlock rerun on television.

While Matlock was a criminal attorney, there are vastly more civil cases than criminal ones in the United States. Civil cases involve personal injury negligence, contract disputes, wrongful termination, discrimination, patent infringement, workplace accidents, etc. and make up the bulk of trials in the legal system.

Since the majority of lawsuit funding involves personal injury cases, this post examines civil trial expectations or what you can expect when going to trial in an injury case. Other cases will present similar civil trial expectations. Additionally, we consider other important factors if a trial does occur.

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Basic Injury Civil Trial Expectations

Trials occur before what is known as a “trier-of-fact” which can either be a judge (bench trial) or jury. The trier of fact must:

• hear evidence from both sides
• weigh the credibility of witnesses and evidence
• decide what facts are true for purposes of the proceedings
• apply those facts to the law as instructed by the judge
• render a verdict based upon the facts and law

While bench trials occur frequently, juries can be expected in most civil trials.

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Civil Trial Expectations

Jury Selection

Jury selection begins the trial proceedings. During the selection process, attorneys from both sides ask questions of prospective jurors designed to uncover potential conflicts or biases not uncovered by initial screening. This questioning is called voir dire, which is french for “to speak the truth.” Each side has the ability to remove certain jurors from the pool based upon their answers. The number of removals is specified in court rules and is limited. When no more removals are available or used, the jury is selected.

Opening Statements

The judge’s role is to preside over the process. As the trial begins, the judge makes some preliminary instructions to the jurors and opening statements commence.

The purpose of opening statements is to tell jurors something about the case they will be hearing. Both sides make their statements but the party with the burden of proof (plaintiff) usually begins. Opening statements should be based upon facts that are to be shown by actual evidence. These statements should not be argumentative. Lawyers will argue their client’s side later in the trial.

The opening statement is one of the most important components of any trial. It is the first opportunity both parties get to speak to the jury about the case. It is intended to frame the jury’s perspective of the evidence that will be presented.

Evidence, Burdens of Proof and Putting on the Case

After the jury is selected, the case will move to the evidentiary phase of the trial. During this phase, you can expect both sides to present evidence supporting their side of the story. Since the vast majority of civil lawsuits are settled prior to trial, it is a pretty sure bet there are some real issues to be decided by the trier of fact. If not, a trial simply wouldn’t be necessary.

Civil Trial Expectations and The Burden of Proof

In order to win a lawsuit, the plaintiff must meet its burden of proof. In most civil cases, that burden is a preponderance of the evidence standard. That is, with the evidence they bring before the court, plaintiffs must show their side of the story is more likely than not. In an injury lawsuit, the burden means that considering the evidence, defendant’s actions resulted in plaintiff’s injuries more likely than not. Contrast this with the beyond a reasonable doubt standard necessary for a criminal conviction and you can see how much less of a burden this is from an evidentiary standpoint. The jury’s determination just has to tilt ever so slightly in the plaintiff’s favor.

Bear in mind, plaintiff must also show any damages are directly related to the injuries caused by the defendant’s negligence. Accordingly, plaintiff’s attorney will call the injured party, witnesses, and/or medical experts to testify.

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The Use of Witnesses

Generally, two types of witnesses are used in civil cases. These are fact witnesses and expert witnesses. Fact witnesses are called to testify regarding personal observations and can include eyewitnesses, treating physicians, friends, family members, co-workers, employers and the plaintiff him/herself.

Expert witnesses are used to explain complicated evidence to the jury. These witnesses are qualified through their credentials and experience and are asked specific questions regarding various issues at trial. One example of an “expert” might be an accident reconstruction expert who offers an opinion on how an accident actually occurred. Other experts can include medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation experts, economists, and others. Generally, any issue that can be enhanced by expert testimony is allowed.

Of course, the defense will have its own experts perhaps contradicting plaintiff’s expert’s findings.

Both parties are afforded the opportunity to question the other party’s fact and expert witnesses. This is called cross-examination. The purpose of cross examination is to weaken the effect of the testimony given by pointing out inconsistencies, exceptions, conflicts or credibility.

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Summation

When all evidence is presented, lawyers from both sides offer their closing statements. Also known as summation, the lawyers “sum” up their cases for the jury and argue for their clients. Unlike opening statements, civil trial participants can expect closings to be more argumentative than opening statements. The lawyers’ job in summation is to advocate for their clients by framing the evidence in the light most favorable to their version.

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Jury Instructions and Reaching a Verdict

After the closing statements, the judge reads jury instructions. These instructions instruct the jury of the laws at issue and how these standards should be applied to this particular set of facts. Afterwards, the jury heads to the jury room to deliberate – that is, to reach a decision.

The first decision is whether the plaintiff reached the burden of proof (proved the case). If the answer to this question is “yes”, then the jury must calculate awards for both economic and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering. Once a decision is reached, the verdict is read in open court and the decision entered into the record. Once the verdict is read, the civil trial phase of the proceedings concludes.

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Post Trial Proceedings and Other Issues

After a verdict, civil trial expectations predict some post trial motions, appeals, and other legal posturing. Over all, civil trials are expected to be costly and time consuming affairs. This is why 95 out of 100 claims are settled prior to reaching the courtroom.

Settlement is Better for All Parties

Most legal professionals would agree that settlement is in everyone’s best interest. First, trials are time consuming and stressful. Settlement saves time and all parties avoid the stress of trial. Second, trials are expensive. Even though plaintiffs’ attorneys are normally paid only if a case is won (contingency fee arrangement), there are significant costs associated with going to trial. Some of these include:

• travel costs
• court costs
• costs for trial exhibits
• expert fees
• post trial transcript fees
• and more . . .

It should be noted that from the defendant’s (insurer’s) perspective, trials are just as risky. Insurers want to deal with claims in the most efficient way possible. Trials cost insurers the same expenses as listed above with the added expense of paying attorneys to defend the case. The idea is to pay as little as possible without having to go to trial. After all, when you place the decision with random strangers (jury), anything can and will happen.

With a settlement, the insurer’s loss is known and expenses avoided. The plaintiff gets an amount that is agreeable to him/her and plaintiff’s attorney gets his/her fee. All the parties are somewhat disappointed, but this is necessary for compromise.

Legal Advice and Counsel

If you were injured in an accident, you should consult an attorney. The consultations are usually free so you can get a feel for civil trial expectations and the legal process in general without paying an hourly fee. Because the practice of law is a localized affair, you need to consult a licensed attorney in the appropriate jurisdiction. What jurisdiction is appropriate for your case? Ask an attorney!

Remember, lawyers help you recover the most compensation possible for your injuries. This means you will have enough money to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and much more. There are limitations to filing a lawsuit in certain circumstances so seeing an attorney as soon as possible is imperative.

While civil trial expectations are an interesting topic for a blog entry, the nuances of civil trials are jurisdiction specific and are beyond the scope of this article. We hope this brief introduction into this topic will aid in your understanding of your legal options and expectations. As always, all legal topics offered herein are for informational purposes only and are subject to our disclaimer.

Thank you for your interest in civil trial expectations and Fair Rate Funding.

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Slip and Fall Notice Requirements – an Important Issue

We’ve explored slip and fall accidents in previous posts. In this article, we explore slip and fall notice requirements as they pertain to negligence lawsuits.

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Slip and Fall Lawsuits Background

Actions in negligence begin with a duty of care being owed to other people/entities. When that duty is breached, and that breach causes the fallen to be damaged, the basics of a negligence lawsuit are in place.

A slip and fall lawsuit arises when a duty of care was breached, that breach caused the plaintiff to fall, and that fall resulted in damages. Slip and fall lawsuits normally target property owners or those who are in charge of the premises. To prove slip and fall negligence then, the plaintiff must show:

• a property owner negligently created the condition that caused the fall
• the property owner failed to maintain the area where the fall occurred
• or the property owner knew or should have known of the hazard and failed to cure or adequately warn others of the condition

It is the second and third scenarios where notice requirements are involved.

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Slip and Fall Notice Requirement

Obviously, if a property owner creates the hazardous condition, he/she/it is aware of the condition and danger it poses to others. A failure to maintain the area however, involves a slightly different analysis since explicit knowledge of the condition is not a given. Because the law recognizes that property owners only have a duty to remedy conditions that are known or should be known, plaintiff must prove not only the condition was a hazard but also was known or should have been known.

Thus, whether the defendant “had notice” of the condition is a common issue during slip and fall litigation.

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Actual vs. Constructive Notice

There are two types of notice: actual notice and constructive notice.

Actual Notice

Actual notice means the defendant knew of the dangerous condition. This is done by proving the defendant directly observed the condition or were informed of the condition prior to the incident in question. Actual notice is an evidentiary question and can be proven with:

• inspection documents
• letters written by tenant or other party informing of the condition
• prior accidents
• verbal communications

Constructive Notice

Constructive notice is the legal fiction that a party received notice. Constructive notice is used if plaintiff cannot prove actual notice. When a plaintiff tries to prove constructive notice, they are asking the court to find that even though the defendant didn’t directly observe the condition (actual notice) nor were they informed of the hazard (actual notice), they should have known about the condition.

Examples of constructive slip and fall notice can include evidence the hazard existed for so long that the condition was obvious. Plaintiffs also sometimes try to show how regular/periodic inspections would reveal the condition and such inspections were/are reasonable.

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Notice Hurdles

In most jurisdictions, slip and fall notice is not enough to prove liability. Reasonableness is always a criteria when determining what a prudent party should or shouldn’t do under similar circumstances. Accordingly, states allow a reasonable time between the notice and the remedy – whether it is to eliminate the hazardous condition or warn others of the danger.

Consider an ketchup spill on Aisle 9 at the local supermarket. If a patron slips and falls on the condition a short time after the condition is created, liability will be much harder to prove since there was no opportunity for the business to remedy the condition. If 30 minutes elapses between the spill and the fall, liability will be easier to establish. Plaintiff would likely assert the grocer should take steps to monitor the aisles for debris and/or other hazards. Ultimately, what is “reasonable” is up to the judge or jury at trial. Maybe a jury would find that 30 was not long enough. Another jury might find the owners should monitor aisle in even shorter increments. Anything can happen at trial.

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Other Considerations

Other slip and fall notice issues are also present. For example, property ownership affects the impact of notice in certain cases. Consider a public building where an accident occurs. Most states have laws that protect public entities from liability. Sometimes referred to as Tort Claims Acts, these protections sometimes include an increased negligence standard but can also require “actual” written notice of a defective condition to be a condition on liability.

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Legal Advice and Counsel

While slip and fall notice requirements are common in negligence, the nuances of negligence law are jurisdiction specific and are beyond the scope of this article. If you were injured in an accident, you should seek the advice of an attorney. As stated above, there are limitations in certain circumstances so seeing an attorney as soon as possible is imperative.

We hope this brief introduction into this topic will aid in your understanding of your legal options. As always, all legal topics offered herein are for informational purposes only and are subject to our disclaimer.

Thank you for your interest in slip and fall notice requirements and Fair Rate Funding.

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Examining the Pros and Cons of Settlement Loans

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of lawsuit settlement loans. We examine the benefits and drawbacks of pre-settlement funding and offer advice on when to consider lawsuit loans as a financial support option.

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What are Settlement Loans?

Settlement loans can be described as specialty financial transactions that provide immediate cash to litigants who need money while they wait for a civil lawsuit to conclude. The settlement loan business purchases a portion of the prospective lawsuit proceeds ahead of time. The plaintiff gets financial support quickly. The business gets a return on its investment if the case is successful.

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Why are Settlement Loans Popular?

Settlement loans arose from many plaintiffs’ need for cash while waiting for their cases to settle. This was particularly true for personal injury plaintiffs who were no longer able to work because of their physical limitations. Since lawsuits take time, many were unable to pay simple living expenses and were forced to accept “low-ball” settlement offers as a result.

In some states, personal injury attorneys are able to advance money to clients in anticipation of settlement. In others, state ethics rules prohibit the practice. Regardless of the jurisdiction, plaintiffs need this financial support. The purpose of settlement loans is to fill this need.

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Pre-Settlement Loans – The Pros

Lawsuit settlement loans offer several benefits for plaintiffs, these include:

Immediate Financial Support

Struggling plaintiffs need cash fast. With settlement loans, plaintiffs get immediate cash to pay for any type of expenditure. This is probably the most important settlement loan “pro” – the speed in which plaintiffs can secure relief.

The settlement loan process is simple. Clients first apply with a phone call or a contact form. A lawsuit lender contacts the plaintiff to discuss the case. Once “pre-qualified”, and with the plaintiffs’ permission, their lawyers are contacted to get everyone on the same page in terms of expectations, etc. Once approved, a contract is forwarded for plaintiffs’ and attorneys’ signature.

When executed agreements are received, plaintiffs are forwarded cash via electronic bank transfer or check via overnight courier. Thus, a major settlement loan pro is the immediate access to funds. Plaintiffs can have money in their accounts in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Money is Restriction Free

Another settlement loan pro is flexibility. Plaintiffs can use settlement loans in any way they wish. There are absolutely no restrictions on how the money is spent. Most plaintiffs use settlement loans to pay for living expenses such as:

• groceries
• rent or mortgage payments
• utilities
• school tuition
• medical bills
• medical treatment
• legal fees
• back taxes or debts

No restrictions give settlement loans an advantage over other types of traditional loans which require the money to be spent on certain items, such as car or school loans. This flexibility can be a significant “pro” when comparing different financing types.

Settlement Loans are Non-Recourse

Settlement loans are not really loans in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, they are referred to as non-recourse funding. Since the transaction is structured as an advanced purchase of a future settlement, the lawsuit proceeds are the sole source of repayment under the contract. This means two very important things. First, the advance is ONLY repaid if the case is successful. Second, plaintiff is not personally liable for the advance.

The above are valuable pros when discussing settlement loans since they protect plaintiffs in the event lawsuits are lost. With settlement loans, plaintiffs can pursue their case with ease of mind since they cannot be held personally responsible for the loan.

Credit Scores Don’t Matter

Also unlike traditional loans, lawsuit funding does not require a credit check. Again, there is no personal repayment of a settlement loan. Nor are periodic payments required. Therefore, credit history is irrelevant.

The settlement loan “pro” then, is that plaintiffs with poor credit scores can still get relief. Settlement funding companies base their decision solely on the facts surrounding the lawsuit. Plaintiffs who can’t access other forms of credit can find financial support through settlement loans.

Collateral Not Needed

Another settlement loan pro is that no collateral is needed other than the lawsuit itself. Traditional loans, such as car loans or mortgages, require collateral as security. If the borrower defaults, the creditor can take the collateral as full or partial repayment. Since pre-settlement loans are only repaid by the lawsuit itself, plaintiffs do not have to risk their other assets. This can be a significant benefit in certain situations.

Settlement Loan Pro – a Heavier Case

In certain instances, lawsuit loans strengthen a lawsuit and demand higher settlement amounts.

Consider a personal injury lawsuit loan which is used to get much needed medical treatment. Sometimes referred to as surgical funding, lawsuit loans allow surgical treatment when no insurance coverage is available to pay for the procedure(s). More treatment usually means larger settlements so this settlement loan pro helps give more settlement value to a particular lawsuit.

Settlement Loans Give Attorneys Time

Because settlement loans relieve financial strain, plaintiffs are less likely to pressure their attorneys for a quicker settlement. Plaintiff attorneys can use their skills to negotiate the best possible settlement – free from knowing their clients are in dire need of funds.

The legal system has finite resources. Cases are usually heard loosely in the order in which they are filed. Plaintiff attorneys can be patient as they apply their craft. This usually results in a higher recovery than would otherwise be available.

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The Cons of Lawsuit Settlement Loans

Some aspects of settlement loans are not all that positive. Below are some settlement loan cons.

Settlement Loan Cost

One often cited settlement loan disadvantage (con) is that they can get expensive, especially if a lawsuit goes on longer than expected. Lawsuit funding investments are high risk. Higher risk means the cost to consumers must also reflect a larger risk of loss. Thus, interest rates and fees associated with settlement loans are often much higher than traditional loans.

Not All Lawsuits are Candidates for Case Loans

The good news is that if you have an attorney who is retained on a contingency fee arrangement (lawyer only gets a fee if successful), you will likely qualify for a settlement loan. However, many lawsuits are not candidates for funding. These can include:

• Landlord/tenant actions
• Social Security Disability claims
• Cases involving trusts and estates
• and others. . .

The vast majority of lawsuit funding involves personal injury loans. These include injuries sustained in car accidents, slip and falls, workplace accidents, product liability and other actions.

Pricing May Vary

Lawsuit funding is unregulated by the federal government. And although some calls for lawsuit loan regulation have been successful, many states still leave the industry alone. For this reason, few restrictions exist on how much lawsuit funding companies can charge for their services. Further, with the exception of some “best practices” suggestions from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, few requirements are codified as to how charges are calculated and funding terms disclosed.

Of course, an unregulated marketplace also has its advantages. For example, as more businesses entered into the market, competitive prices for quality cases has decreased. So the bad news is that companies can charge whatever they can get away with. The good news is that with a little research, it’s never been easier to find the best lawsuit loan company to serve your needs.

Negative Press

Some lawsuit funding companies have been accused of exploiting vulnerable plaintiffs and/or charging excessive interest rates and fees. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals in every business. Lawsuit funding is no different. Yet the predatory actions of certain entities should not taint the entire industry.

Like stated above, the settlement loan marketplace is largely unregulated. This is both a settlement loan pro and con. Fair pricing is available, you just have to look for it. Consider a company’s positive customer reviews before applying and make sure you read the contract thoroughly before signing. Protect yourself and you’ll be safe from predatory practices.

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Settlement Loan Pros and Cons Takeaways

Pre-settlement loans can be a helpful financial tool for plaintiffs. They are not without risk however so it would be prudent to weigh both settlement loan pros and cons before moving forward. It might also be helpful to consider other available funding options at your disposal. These might include:

• personal loans
• loans from family or friends
• mortgage cash-out refinancing
• retirement accounts
• and others. . .

Other Considerations

Weighing the pros and cons of settlement loans should contain an evaluation of:

• When the case is likely to be resolved
• Your immediate financial needs
• Future financial obligations
• The reputation of the funding company

While accurately predicting when a case will settle is difficult, a ball park time frame can be considered when deciding to obtain a lawsuit loan. Using your attorney’s expertise can be helpful in this regard. In most cases, attorneys have experience in similar situations and can estimate a time frame based upon these experiences.

Choosing a reputable lawsuit loan company has never been easier. Most companies have an online presence and their reviews can be read and evaluated. Plaintiffs might consider what terms the company quotes online or when they are contacted. Considering a Better Business Profile and/or age of the business might also be prudent.

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Settlement Loan Pros and Cons Conclusions

Generally, the best time for plaintiffs to consider a pre-settlement loan is after they’ve weighed the pros and cons, evaluated all available options and decide a settlement loan is in their best interest. Under these circumstances, plaintiffs can be sure they are making an informed decision based upon all available facts.

Thank you for your interest in settlement loan pros and cons and Fair Rate Funding.