In the United States, there are two specific types of companies that handle structured settlements. The first creates and utilizes a structured settlement as a way to compensate a claimant for settlement in a legal case, in lieu of providing a lump sum of cash. The other type of company offers to purchase a structured settlement for a percentage of its remaining worth in exchange for a lump sum of cash.
Setting up Structured Settlements
The first company often works with law firms that take on lawsuits that will require some type of structured settlement payment. Most of these are civil suits that involve injury, medical malpractice, or worker’s compensation. These structured settlement companies often work with annuity companies and insurance companies as a way to provide a large settlement in exchange for a smaller lump sum of cash payment from the defendant in the case. The claimant will receive periodic payments that could be set up annually or monthly, or through any other agreed-upon term. Final agreement of the structured settlement through an annuity will require a sign off from the judge involved in the case.
The insurance company or annuity company that is involved in providing the structured settlement will be legally bound to make payments according to the terms. Often times, they take the lump sum of cash from the defendant and invest the money to make a profit while still sending installment payments to the claimant. Once this settlement is firmly in place, and agreed upon by the court system, it is nearly impossible to alter, change, or renegotiate. However, it can usually be sold.
Selling a Structured Settlement
After receiving timely installments for months or years, many claimants realize that the amount of money they receive is not enough to cover all of their expenses. They seek out the second type of structured settlement agency in an effort to sell the remaining payments of their annuity for a lump sum of cash.
The structured settlement company will evaluate the annuity to determine its actual value. They will usually offer a bid on the total amount of remaining payments, by offering a certain percentage of its value based on external factors like current economic conditions. The amount they offer will also be determined on the financial stability of the company making the payments. They may offer an additional bid on a specific portion or amount of the monthly payment, if the claimant wishes to sell only a portion, so he or she can still receive installment payments on the remainder.
If the claimant accepts the bid or quote, the structured settlement company will begin the process of making the purchase. They will usually handle all the details once all documentation has been provided. While the process is simple, it does require the acceptance of the court system, which might take one to two months to accomplish.
In the end, the claimant can have their lump sum of cash to pay off medical bills, living expenses, or to make a big purchase such as buying a home or sending a child off to college.






