Are Lawsuit Loans Worth It?
Lawsuit loans, also known as pre-settlement loans, are a type of financing option available to individuals who are involved in a legal case and are in need of immediate funds. These types of loans provide a way for plaintiffs to receive a portion of their expected settlement before the case is resolved.
Lawsuit loans are worth it for a large number of plaintiffs who are involved with a civil claim. Pre-settlement funding can be a lifesaver for those facing financial difficulties while they are waiting for their settlement to come in. It is important to understand the terms and conditions associated with a lawsuit advance, however, in order to determine whether or not this type of financing is right for you.
At Direct Legal Funding, we have helped countless plaintiffs to get the funds they need to tie them over while their claim is pending. Call us at 866-941-5588 or send us an online message to discuss your case and whether or not a lawsuit loan is worth it for you to apply for.
What are Lawsuit Loans?
Lawsuit loans are advances on the expected settlement from a civil lawsuit, and they are typically provided by specialized lenders who understand the legal system and have experience in assessing the likelihood of a successful outcome. The lender reviews the details of the case and makes a determination on the amount of money they are willing to loan. The loan amount is usually a percentage of the expected settlement and is determined based on the strength of the case and the likelihood of a successful outcome.
To be eligible for a lawsuit loan, an individual must be involved in a legal case (with an expected settlement) and have an attorney representing them. The amount of money offered through a pre-settlement loan can vary depending on the strength of the case, the amount of the expected settlement, and the lender’s risk tolerance.
Pros of Lawsuit Loans
Pre-settlement loans provide much-needed financial assistance for plaintiffs in civil litigation cases who are in a cash crunch while waiting for their settlement money to come in. Here are some of the biggest benefits borrowers receive when they obtain lawsuit funding:
Immediate Access to Funds
The process for obtaining a lawsuit advance is quick and easy. All that is required is for the plaintiff to fill out a simple application with some details of their pending case and the contact information for their attorney. Once the lender speaks with the attorney, verifies the relevant information, and approves the loan, the pre-settlement funding can be issued in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks which is typical with more traditional forms of financing.
No Collateral or Credit Check
With a pre-settlement loan, the borrower does not have to put up any collateral. Approval for the loan is based on the likelihood of recovering compensation through a lawsuit settlement, so there is no need to risk your home, vehicle, jewelry, or anything else of value. There are also no credit checks with this type of loan because it is not based in any way on creditworthiness.
No Repayment If the Case is Lost
One of the biggest reasons why lawsuit loans are worth it for many civil litigants is the fact that they are non-recourse in nature. This means that if something goes wrong and the plaintiff/borrower fails to recover a settlement, they are not obligated to pay back the loan.
No Monthly Payments
Because you are waiting to pay the loan back until your settlement funds come in, a pre-settlement loan does not require you to come up with monthly payments. Once you receive your funding, you can relax and focus on recovering from your injuries and other losses while your attorney works on your claim.
No Usage Restrictions
A lawsuit advance does not come with any strings attached with regard to how the money can be used. You can use the funds to pay your medical bills, catch up on your rent or mortgage, pay your child’s college tuition, or take a vacation. It’s your money, and it doesn’t matter to the lender what you do with it.
Potential to Strengthen the Legal Claim
Perhaps the greatest benefit for plaintiffs that makes lawsuit loans worthwhile is how pre-settlement funding changes the dynamics of the case. Once you have enough money to get you through until your case settles, you no longer need to be in a hurry to get it done with.
This takes away a major piece of leverage that defendants such as insurance companies like to wield. They know that injury victims are often hurting for money, and they will try to use that to their advantage by making a lowball settlement offer. But with the extra money provided by a lawsuit advance, you can afford to let your lawyer build the strongest possible case to pursue maximum damages for your losses.
Cons of Lawsuit Loans
While lawsuit loans can provide immediate access to funds for individuals facing financial difficulties, they also come with some drawbacks:
- Higher Interest Rates and Fees: Pre-settlement loans typically have higher interest rates and other fees when compared with traditional funding options. This is to account for the additional risk involved with issuing a non-recourse loan. Remember, you are only required to pay back the loan if you recover a settlement, so if you lose your case, the lender is at risk of not getting any of their money back.
- Unregulated Industry: Another drawback when considering lawsuit loans is that the industry is largely unregulated. This lack of regulation can make it difficult for plaintiffs to know whom they are dealing with. Because of this, it’s essential for plaintiffs to carefully research and choose a reputable lawsuit funding provider with a proven track record of providing fair and transparent pre-settlement loans.
Is It Worth It to Get a Lawsuit Loan?
Are lawsuit loans worth it? As with most things in life, the answer to that question depends largely on your specific circumstances. Pre-settlement funding can definitely be worth it for many plaintiffs, especially when they are facing financial difficulties and their other borrowing options are fairly limited. But for some, it is not the right option.
At Direct Legal Funding, we are proud of the service we provide for plaintiffs who are involved in a legal case. When you work with us, everything is open and transparent, and you do not have to worry about hidden surprises later on.
We are upfront and honest with you about how lawsuit loans work and the pros and cons of this type of funding, so you can make the most informed decision about whether or not a lawsuit advance will be worth it for you.
Call us today at 866-941-5588 or send us a message here to get all of your questions answered and start your application.