The Cash Settlement is the method that is used in futures and options contracts. In this method, the seller of assets gives the associated cash position instead of the underlying asset upon the expiration of the contract. Cash Settlement Loan gives you cash in advance for a pending settlement award or lawsuit. This loan is known by different names such as a lawsuit settlement loan, settlement loan, legal funding, or settlement advancements. In this article, you will get to know how settlement loans work and some important things that you need to know before applying for them.
Understanding Settlement Loan
These loans are given in cash form to people for settlements. For the victim whose case is pending and waiting for the lawsuit to settle, a settlement loan is a quick and easy way to alleviate his financial stress. This loan is given to plaintiffs before the settlement of the case to pay the expenses during legal processes.
Moreover, interest rates are sky-high for this loan. Legally, a cash settlement loan is borrowing and it is used to refer to advance funding. For a few people, a cash settlement loan seems like an oasis in a cash-dry desert. This settlement loan has helped thousands of people to cover their living expenses and bills during the litigation process. But, it is expensive and time-consuming because lawsuits can take several years to settle.
Who Needs Cash Settlement Loans?
If you get injured by a traffic accident or have a medical disability, you will be unable to work which results in loss of income. Your living expenses and bills will use all of your savings. In such a situation, you can take out a settlement loan. Also, settlement advance companies offer cash loans in employment or civil discrimination suits or to the inheritors waiting for the settlement of their late loved one's property. A Cash Settlement loan or lawsuit loan can support you temporarily in such circumstances.
How do Settlement Loans work?
After filing an eligible lawsuit, you can apply for a loan. Finance companies evaluate your credit worthiness and chances of settlement or recovery before making the loan. Then, the lender or finance company offers you the sum of money. After winning the settlement case, you have to repay that sum of money with agreed interest rates and fees to the settlement company or lender. Settlement loans assist you to deal with temporary financial hurdles but can cost huge money in the future. Because they carry huge interest rates. The annual interest on these loans is typically higher than the loan amount. Interest rates of settlement loans can be as high as 27% to 60% per year.
Pros and Cons of Cash Settlement Loan
The settlement loan can tide you over for the short time until the settlement of the case, but it might be expensive in the long run. There are different pros and cons of this settlement loan. Let's discuss them:
Pros
- You'll get cash for the living expenses
Cash Settlement loans can provide enough cash to cover living expenses, mortgage payments, and medical bills during lawsuit settlement.
- You can get the loan promptly
Some lenders or finance companies might approve the loan within some days.
- Settlement loans provide you more time to negotiate a fair settlement
Taking the settlement loan gives you more time to negotiate a better settlement offer. You and your attorney can take more time to discuss with the defendant.
Cons
If you need cash, it is not a wise choice to just go for a settlement loan. This short-term financing has distinct cons as follows.
- Settlement loans are too expensive
Interest rates on settlement loans are much higher. The borrower has to pay the borrowed cash with interest rates or funding fees that could be sky-high.
- All the cases don't qualify for a loan
The settlement company only lends when it is surely confident about winning or settlement of the case. Because if you lose the case, you don't have to repay the loan. Therefore, lenders do not take the risk and are picky about cases. Moreover, lawsuits can take years to settle and you will be stuck in paying fees and interest for a long time. And, it might be hard to find a reputable lender.
The Bottom Line
Cash settlement loans prove costly, risky and can eat a large chunk of settlement money you are owed. Also, they are not heavily regulated by federal and state authorities.
Therefore, if you are considering applying for a settlement loan, you must think again. There are other ways to get the money from other sources including a personal loan from friends or family, disability payments, or taking the traditional personal loan.
Apart from them, you can consider a 401 (k) plan. These sources of getting money can be smart options than high interests, short-term financing. It could save a high amount of money in the long run.
