What Is Pre-Settlement Lawsuit Funding?

Pre-settlement lawsuit funding provides plaintiffs with cash advances against their expected settlement amounts. Unlike traditional loans, these advances don't require monthly payments and typically don't affect credit scores. The funding company evaluates the strength of your case and offers an advance based on the projected settlement value.

These advances are considered non-recourse funding, meaning if you lose your case, you typically owe nothing back to the funding company. This unique characteristic distinguishes lawsuit funding from conventional loans, making it a lower-risk option for plaintiffs facing financial hardships during litigation.

How Lawsuit Cash Advances Work

The process begins when you apply with a lawsuit funding company, providing details about your case and your attorney's contact information. The funding company then contacts your lawyer to gather case documentation and evaluate the strength of your claim. This evaluation typically takes 24-48 hours, after which they determine if you qualify and how much they can advance.

If approved, you'll receive a funding agreement outlining the terms, including the advance amount and repayment structure. After signing, funds can be disbursed via check, direct deposit, or wire transfer. Repayment occurs only after your case resolves successfully, with the funding company collecting their principal plus fees directly from your settlement proceeds.

Provider Comparison

When seeking lawsuit funding, comparing providers is crucial for finding favorable terms. The table below highlights key differences between major funding companies:

ProviderFunding RangeProcessing TimeFee Structure
LawCash$500-$100,00024-48 hoursNon-compounding
Oasis Financial$500-$100,00024 hoursMonthly compounding
High Rise Financial$500-$250,00024-72 hoursNon-compounding
Peachtree FinancialVariable1-3 daysCase-dependent

Each provider offers unique advantages. US Legal Funding provides specialized funding for specific case types, while JG Wentworth offers structured settlement purchasing options. When comparing providers, carefully review their fee structures, as these can significantly impact how much of your settlement you retain.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Lawsuit Funding

Benefits:

  • Immediate financial relief for pressing expenses
  • No monthly payments during litigation
  • No repayment obligation if you lose your case
  • No credit check or employment verification required
  • Funds can be used for any purpose, including medical bills and living expenses

Drawbacks:

  • Higher costs compared to traditional loans, with fees that can range from 2% to 4% monthly
  • Potential for significant reduction in settlement proceeds
  • Some attorneys discourage clients from pursuing lawsuit funding
  • Limited regulation in some states, leading to variable consumer protections

Before pursuing lawsuit cash advances, consult with your attorney about the implications for your specific case. Companies like Tribeca Lawsuit Loans and Fair Funding offer transparency tools to help plaintiffs understand the long-term cost implications.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

Lawsuit funding costs typically include an application fee (sometimes waived), underwriting fees, and the primary expense: the funding fee. This fee usually ranges from 2-4% monthly, though some companies offer non-compounding rates. Over a year, these fees can amount to 24-48% of the advanced amount.

For example, a $10,000 advance with a 3% monthly rate could cost approximately $3,600 in fees after 12 months. If your case takes longer to resolve, these costs increase accordingly. Legal Capital Corporation and Law Street Capital provide online calculators to help estimate total repayment amounts based on different case resolution timeframes.

When evaluating costs, request a complete fee schedule and repayment examples. Some companies cap their fees after a certain period, which can provide significant savings for cases with extended timelines. Always ask if the rate is simple or compound, as this distinction dramatically affects the total repayment amount.

Conclusion

Lawsuit cash today provides a financial lifeline for plaintiffs facing economic hardship during litigation. While these advances offer immediate relief without the risk of repayment if you lose your case, they come with significant costs that must be carefully considered. Before committing to pre-settlement funding, thoroughly research providers, compare fee structures, and discuss options with your attorney. The right funding solution should balance your immediate financial needs with the goal of preserving as much of your eventual settlement as possible. Remember that lawsuit funding is a financial tool designed for specific circumstances—not a solution for every plaintiff or case type.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.