A definition from the North Carolina Superior Court Judges 2008 Summer Conference states that a structured settlement is an arrangement for receiving periodic payments of damages reached in resolution of a tort claim. The damages may be due to physical sickness or injuries as well as workers’ compensation claims.
Structured settlement payments have received increased popularity in the United States since the 1970s and more than $100 billion has been paid to fund them. The payments are usually received on a periodic basis. However, the installment-like payments do not suit every person. Fortunately, it is possible to get a lump sum payment in exchange for structured settlement payments.
Selling your structured settlement for a lump payment of money can be a good option for people who need to get their full settlement soon to pay off debt or are planning to use their settlement money for a large purchase instead of borrowing money and having to pay interest. You need to understand the way that your structured settlement it setup before you can sell it. You should also talk to several companies before selling your settlement because some companies will pay you a lower discount rate than others.
Receiving structured payments systematically over a long period of time may work for some people, but what if a sudden unforeseen need for cash arises and the fixed payments are insufficient? Banks do not really consider the still-to-be-collected payments appropriate secured loan collateral. Rest assured there are other options.
If you are currently experiencing a shaky financial situation or economic hardship, perhaps you have wondered about selling your structured settlement. A structured settlement is a financial vehicle in the form of an annuity, in which you receive periodic payments resulting from a personal injury settlement.