Clients have three payment options when their claim or lawsuit is settled: 1) a lump sum cash settlement, 2) periodic payments through a structured settlement annuity or 3) a combination of cash and structured payments.

In years past, personal injury settlements always involved lump-sum payouts. While the payout was tax-free, the money earned from the settlement was taxable unless invested in tax-free municipal bonds.

Clients choosing cash settlements assume the risks associated with their investments during both stable and volatile economic times. Clients requiring lifetime care and support usually do not have the luxury of being able to weather market ups and downs and fluctuating incomes, especially when unforeseen medical emergencies are part of life. Managing the lump sum to last possibly for a lifetime is also a concern.

To reduce the risks associated with lump sum payouts, the Internal Revenue Service allows defendants to purchase insurance annuities to fund settlements to injured parties with all proceeds from the annuities tax-free.

Using annuities, injured parties receive guaranteed tax-free income benefits issued by an A or A+-rated life insurance company. Clients can decide to receive 100 percent of the funds through a structured settlement annuity or a combination of an annuity with a cash component for immediate or emergency situations.

Settlement Safeguards

The safety and security of a structured settlement annuity depends, of course, on the financial stability of the life insurance company responsible for paying the benefits. That is why only highly rated life insurance carriers are used.

State and federal solvency standards and regulations protect annuity policyholders in a number of ways. Regulators use conservative accounting and investment rules, which keep insurers from investing heavily in risky investments. Investments are typically high-quality investment grade fixed income securities. Structured settlement annuities enjoy competitive returns compared to other conservative investments in addition to their tax-free status.

In California, companies offering structured settlements must be first approved by the California Department of Insurance. The department evaluates the insurance carrier's solvency and whether the carrier complies with California regulations. Carriers are also subject to mandatory annual audits and other financial compliance requirements.

By regulation, all annuity reserves must have assets that are equal to or exceed the corresponding payment obligations. In addition, the assets supporting these reserves may not be removed from the life insurance company. Reserve sufficiency is mandatory and is frequently monitored by state legislators and auditors. State insurance commissioners have developed these regulations to preserve the solvency of general accounts in which assets are held so that contractual obligations to policyholders are met. These general accounts support only the obligations of the insurance companies--and not the obligations of a parent company or other subsidiaries.

In other words, parent companies are prevented from raiding capital from their profitable, well-capitalized life insurance company subsidiaries.

With structured settlements, personal injury clients have the peace of mind of knowing that the underlying assets enabling them to receive compensation from their injury are sheltered. Attorneys can confidently assure clients that these assets will continue to produce regular returns designed to meet immediate and long-term needs.

Well if you will buy structured settlements you will get special benefits, which only the regular periodic payments can offer. Many people buy structured settlements for the tax free reason. That is smart, because this financial product offers a high ROI and if you will get the income tax free, it can beat most of the other financial instruments.

Additionally you will get a carefree financial future, because the payments come for sure during the agreed period. If a person is disabled the settlements offer a chance to get the Medicaid eligibility, if planned correctly. An owner cannot loan against the settlements, which gives a needed future protection.

1. You Can Buy Structured Settlements Because Of Their Tax Free Feature.

The periodic income from the settlement plan is tax free to the owner. The tax free feature is the main argument of the companies, who sell these products. It is true, that together with the high ROI the tax free advantage is a real benefit and the reason to buy structured settlements.

However you must be careful, when you buy structured settlement and you think the tax free advantage. The personal injury payments are usually free from the Federal taxes, but the settlements from the lost wages are subject to taxation.

2. The Unsophisticated Plaintiffs.

These people are not good at handling their finances. They can become the targets of all kind of good friends and relatives, who try to get their money for many good purposes. But when this kind of a person buys structured settlements he will get the protection, because it is impossible to use the settlement as a guarantee.

3. The Minor Children And The Incompetents.

These special groups, or their guardians, can buy structured settlements to get a regular and secure monthly income. These people are, like the unsophisticated plaintiffs, unable to plan their finances and if they would get the lump amount of money, the danger is, that they would spend the money. The periodic payment plan guarantees, that the education and other necessary costs will be paid.

4. The Future Medical Care.

Most personal injury plaintiffs, who will buy settlements, plan to pay for the medical care. Seriously injured people can get the best protection in most cases from the Needs Trust, because this arrangement guarantees the eligibility to the Medicaid program. Usually the estate planning attorneys recommend to build a trust, because it gives the possibility to get the settlement income and the Medicaid.

5. The Benefits To The Minor Child.

The selling companies use the calculators to build up a plan to meet the financial needs of a minor child. However, in some cases and in some times, the Trust arrangement can bring better results. The settlements are complicated and long term commitments. It is wise, or a must, to consult with your attorney, tax advisor and financial planners before doing any decision.

Clients have three payment options when their claim or lawsuit is settled: 1) a lump sum cash settlement, 2) periodic payments through a structured settlement annuity or 3) a combination of cash and structured payments.

In years past, personal injury settlements always involved lump-sum payouts. While the payout was tax-free, the money earned from the settlement was taxable unless invested in tax-free municipal bonds.

Clients choosing cash settlements assume the risks associated with their investments during both stable and volatile economic times. Clients requiring lifetime care and support usually do not have the luxury of being able to weather market ups and downs and fluctuating incomes, especially when unforeseen medical emergencies are part of life. Managing the lump sum to last possibly for a lifetime is also a concern.

To reduce the risks associated with lump sum payouts, the Internal Revenue Service allows defendants to purchase insurance annuities to fund settlements to injured parties with all proceeds from the annuities tax-free.

Using annuities, injured parties receive guaranteed tax-free income benefits issued by an A or A+-rated life insurance company. Clients can decide to receive 100 percent of the funds through a structured settlement annuity or a combination of an annuity with a cash component for immediate or emergency situations.

Settlement Safeguards

The safety and security of a structured settlement annuity depends, of course, on the financial stability of the life insurance company responsible for paying the benefits. That is why only highly rated life insurance carriers are used.

State and federal solvency standards and regulations protect annuity policyholders in a number of ways. Regulators use conservative accounting and investment rules, which keep insurers from investing heavily in risky investments. Investments are typically high-quality investment grade fixed income securities. Structured settlement annuities enjoy competitive returns compared to other conservative investments in addition to their tax-free status.

In California, companies offering structured settlements must be first approved by the California Department of Insurance. The department evaluates the insurance carrier's solvency and whether the carrier complies with California regulations. Carriers are also subject to mandatory annual audits and other financial compliance requirements.

By regulation, all annuity reserves must have assets that are equal to or exceed the corresponding payment obligations. In addition, the assets supporting these reserves may not be removed from the life insurance company. Reserve sufficiency is mandatory and is frequently monitored by state legislators and auditors. State insurance commissioners have developed these regulations to preserve the solvency of general accounts in which assets are held so that contractual obligations to policyholders are met. These general accounts support only the obligations of the insurance companies--and not the obligations of a parent company or other subsidiaries.

In other words, parent companies are prevented from raiding capital from their profitable, well-capitalized life insurance company subsidiaries.

With structured settlements, personal injury clients have the peace of mind of knowing that the underlying assets enabling them to receive compensation from their injury are sheltered. Attorneys can confidently assure clients that these assets will continue to produce regular returns designed to meet immediate and long-term needs.