Sunday, June 29, 2008

Structured Settlement Companies

Structured settlement companies offer recipients of large court or prize awards the opportunity to receive their cash in several different ways. Many times a cash award is granted to the winning plaintiff of a court case that has proven some sort of personal injury by the defendant. Settlements can be paid by companies or individuals, depending on the type of litigation. In cases of large settlements, the court will oftentimes allow a defendant to pay the settlement off in increments if the amount is extremely exorbitant. A structured settlement company can offer a third party financial resolution to recipients of large sums and provide a way for them to benefit from the settlement without having to wait years for the entire amount.

Some settlements involve millions of dollars in awards to injured plaintiffs. Especially in these cases, there are many times that the defendants are not forced to pay off the settlement in one lump sum. Sometimes they are allowed to make large payments on a scheduled calendar over several years. Courts may allow this in cases that a business would go completely under if forced to pay off a settlement immediately. It usually helps a business that is at fault in an injury case, but it can be difficult for a plaintiff to benefit from the entire settlement when they really need it unless they receive help from another source such as a structured settlement company. Especially in severe injury cases, the monetary award may be needed to significantly improve the injured persons circumstances or to offset ensuing situational difficulties that injured parties face.

Payments for settlements can be set up in a multitude of ways and can extend for years. A structured settlement company can provide several opportunities for recipients of large sums to best deal with imposed court settlement cases that will best benefit the plaintiff. A very simple alternative to multiple payments spread out over a period of years, is to sell the award contract to the company for one lump sum. In cases involving many millions with 30 years of payments ahead, many recipients opt for a lump sum pay off in order to dramatically change their lifestyle. Especially when recipients are a bit older, it may seem the most expedient thing to do in light of the fact that they may not even receive all their payments before death. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Of course, accepting a one lump sum payment for a large cash award involves a financial profit for the company as well. Structured settlement companies will offer one lump sum in order to buy out the initial contract. They will then receive the payments due according to the court appointed terms. In order to make money themselves, companies that deal with settlements offer a lump sum pay off that is less than the overall awarded pay off to the individual. That way, they can make their profits from the continual stream of payments over the years as well as perhaps investing with the payoffs of multiple settlements they have resolved. The client is happy to receive one lump sum that will change their present situation while a structured settlement company will eventually receive their profits in future payments and investments.

Another option for settlements that companies can provide is through an equity annuity. This involves protecting the amount of principal and offering an opportunity to grow the investment. The rate will be paid by a guaranteed minimum or through a return on the stock market. An equity annuity option can offer the best of both worlds by allowing the recipient of the award to continually grow the principle while receiving pay offs on it. For those interested in the investment aspect, structured settlement companies can offer good financial options that will benefit all parties involved. Litigation cases are by no means the only way for individuals to receive large, cash sum. The gaming and commercial industry has continued to grow the public interest in lottery winnings and large sweepstakes awards.

While this method of getting rich quick is relatively illusive to the general population, there are growing opportunities for large winnings. For those who have won a large cash award, payment options are dictated by the sponsoring organization. Payments can be in one, lump sum, or spread out over many years. A structured settlement company can provide recipients of large winnings a chance to cash in on the entire amount in the same way that litigation cases are dispersed. No matter what the reason for a large, cash award, a recipient is wise to bone up on information relevant to structured settlement companies. There are many reputable companies that offer reasonable options just as there are some that are not as ethical in their practices. In the best interest of everyone concerned, it can be very helpful to consult with an attorney before making any final decisions regarding cash award settlements.

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