Waiting for a settlement can have a significant impact on your financial stability and make the legal process feel overwhelming. Pre-settlement funding offers a practical solution for accessing cash before your lawsuit settles. These loans provide much-needed financial support, allowing you to cover expenses while awaiting case resolution. But when do you begin collecting this funding? Let’s explore the specifics.
Eligibility for pre-settlement funding
To qualify for pre-settlement funding, claimants must meet specific criteria.
- Firstly, having a personal injury lawsuit with the potential to win big is a non-negotiable criterion for eligibility. It demonstrates that you’re actively seeking justice for your suffering.
- Injury cases such as auto accidents, workplace injuries, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and wrongful death are examples of cases that usually meet the requirements.
- The severity of your injuries is a factor that funding companies consider when deciding on potential compensation for your lawsuit. They take into account how your injuries have impacted your life and ability to work. If your injuries are more severe, it suggests higher damages, which increases the chances of receiving funding. If you have suffered a long-term disability or a permanent injury, that could increase the loan amount.
- Funding companies consider the strength of your case as a critical factor in deciding whether you qualify for pre-settlement funding. If your case has compelling evidence demonstrating the defendant’s negligence, it has a better chance of winning. Lenders need assurance that your lawsuit’s going to be successful before they give you any financial help.
- Last, but not least, it’s very important to hire an attorney if you need funding. The cooperation and communication between your lawyer and the funding company play an integral role in obtaining pre-settlement legal funding. It helps lenders effectively assess your case to make a funding decision. Moreover, a reputable attorney adds credibility to your case and shows commitment to achieving a successful outcome in court.
Application process for pre-settlement legal funding
Applying for pre-settlement funding involves a few key steps. First, you need to discuss this option with your lawyer. Once he or she agrees to speak to the lender, you can apply for funding. You’ll provide basic information about yourself and your case. This may include your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, attorney’s contact, and details about the incident that led to your lawsuit. Be sure to include information on any medical care that you had or will have because of the accident.
The lender will then contact your attorney to inquire in-depth breakdown of your case, the potential payout amount, and the risks involved. Unlike traditional loans, pre-settlement funding doesn’t require an extensive background check. Your employment history or credit score won’t affect your eligibility. The primary requirement is a valid personal injury claim and a lawyer willing to work with the funding company.
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When can you start collecting your loan?
The day your application is approved, the lender will issue a contract that outlines the terms of the loan. Your lawyer will review the contract (with you) so your rights are protected. You can start collecting your pre-settlement funding hours after the contract is complete. The lender will issue a check or wire transfer, depending on its policy. The loan amount can range from $1,500 to millions of dollars, depending on your lawsuit’s estimated value.
However, you should be aware that the timeline to receive funding depends on several factors. These factors include how quickly the lender receives the required documentation and approves the loan. On average, legal funding companies provide funds within a few business days of accepting your application.
Despite this, not all settlement funding providers operate at the same speed. Some may take longer. Make sure the pre-settlement funding company you choose can meet your needs right away.
What happens if you lose your case?
A key component of pre-settlement funding is its non-recourse nature, which ultimately serves to protect people like you from spiraling into debt. That means if you, unfortunately, lose your case, you won’t be obligated to pay back the loan. And you won’t be making any monthly payments either.
In a world where financial uncertainty seems to be a constant concern, non-recourse financing doesn’t trap you into additional personal debt. It eliminates the risk of falling into a financial crisis along with the mental stress it brings if your case doesn’t work out.
Besides, pre-settlement legal funding caters to those who might not have the financial means to repay such a large advance. People from diverse backgrounds, both economically and socially, deserve an opportunity for justice. And this type of financing ensures that access remains equitable. A non-recourse loan empowers individuals to pursue their cases without needless worry about potential repercussions.
Additionally, legal funding promotes a more positive relationship between lenders and clients. By only recouping funds from successful cases, these companies are incentivized to provide exemplary services. Thus, cases with genuine merit are pursued diligently, and frivolous litigation is minimized. This proactive approach benefits both law firms and clients by prioritizing results, fairness, and integrity.
Ultimately, non-recourse funding offers a sense of stability that’s unmatched by traditional loans. Your financial situation is secured regardless of whether you win or lose. It grants you the ability to focus on what truly matters—seeking justice for yourself and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Without this feature, many might hesitate to pursue legal battles due to the risk of ending up in an even worse financial situation.
Repaying your pre-settlement funding loan
Once your lawsuit has been successfully resolved and the settlement funds are deposited into your attorney’s trust account, repayment starts. Your attorney disburses the funds to the lender immediately. This way, all parties involved are satisfied and able to move forward.
The pre-settlement loan repayment includes both the principal amount you initially borrowed and any accrued interest over time. Charging interest repayment is crucial in order to sustain this beneficial service that assists individuals during difficult financial circumstances.
This repayment structure instills a high level of confidence in our system, knowing that a trusted, professional, and well-versed individual is overseeing your financial settlement.
Benefits and risks of pre-settlement funding
Pre-settlement funding offers several benefits. These include the following:
- Immediate financial support. Legal funding provides funds in a matter of days, so you have the ability to cover your expenses fast.
- There are barely any restrictions to what you can use legal funding on. Nonetheless, you should consider using the funds wisely. Pay medical bills, car repairs, child care, personal needs, mortgage, rent payments, or anything that is an urgent expense.
- The freedom to wait for a fair settlement without financial pressure. If the insurance company refuses to offer you with the compensation you deserve, financial support may be available to help you wait until the case is resolved without feeling compelled to settle too quickly.
However, it’s not without its risks. The interest rates can be high. And if you borrow more than you need or more than your settlement amount, you could face financial difficulties later. It’s essential you borrow only what you need and understand the terms of your loan agreement fully.
The takeaway
Pre-settlement funding can be a valuable tool for plaintiffs awaiting a settlement. For many, this isn’t just another financial option but an absolute necessity to continue their fight for justice.
While one might be hesitant about pre-settlement funding due to high interest rates, comprehending its numerous benefits and understanding the intricacies associated with it provides a clearer picture of why it should be considered a valuable tool.
Firstly, pre-settlement funding grants immediate access to funds during trying times. Legal cases can take months, if not years, to reach a settlement. During this period, medical bills, daily expenses, and living costs can accumulate beyond one’s ability to pay. By obtaining pre-settlement funding, plaintiffs can meet their urgent needs and continue with their case without surrendering before its completion.
Traditional loans can take days or even weeks to process. Nonetheless, pre-settlement financing is accessible within hours of completing the funding contract. This expedited process ensures that plaintiffs have prompt access to funds.
Of course, like any financial decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly. You should carefully research lenders’ terms and rates before proceeding with financing.
When you understand the process, terms, and potential drawbacks, while partnering with a reputable company such as Baker Street Funding, you can obtain legal funding in a safe and secure manner.
It’s easy to apply for a quick pre-settlement cash advance.