






{"id":10921,"date":"2021-09-06T14:05:15","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T14:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/?p=10921"},"modified":"2021-12-10T14:25:29","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T14:25:29","slug":"an-overview-on-structured-settlements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/blog\/structured-settlements\/","title":{"rendered":"An Overview on Structured Settlements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incidents may be deliberate or inadvertent. But what\u2019s certain is that they compel people to face the fear of suffering and even death. Personal injury always inflicts pain on a person\u2019s body, mind, and emotions. It can be minor wounds and bruises. Sometimes it can lead to impairment and loss. Moreso, the invisible marks you\u2019ve sustained can leave you catatonic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical injuries can be traumatic to many people. Despite the evidence and witnesses, getting compensated is still a complicated process. The lack of ideas and the stress of legal proceedings discourage many people from asserting their rights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the help of a personal injury lawyer, things can become easier. You can be compensated for your injuries, minor or serious. One of the most common forms of repayment is a Structured Settlement. This article will give you an idea of a structured settlement\u2019s nature and functions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/09\/An-Overview-on-Structured-Settlements.png\" alt=\"An Overview on Structured Settlements\" width=\"512\" height=\"261\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10922 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/09\/An-Overview-on-Structured-Settlements.png 512w, https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/09\/An-Overview-on-Structured-Settlements-300x153.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>How Does a Structured Settlement Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A structured settlement is a negotiated stream of payments (financial or insurance) to an individual who won a civil lawsuit. It is either offered by the defendant or requested by the victim or plaintiff to avoid trial. It differs from lump-sum payments. It guarantees financial security to the recipient in the long-run. A structured <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/reaching-a-settlement-when-you-suffer-a-personal-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">settlement in Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was first used as part of a congenital disability claims settlement. It arose from pregnant women who used Thalidomide. Currently, it covers various types of lawsuit settlements such as aviation and construction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the structured settlement, you need to ensure company payments over the years. It is quite risky on the victim\u2019s part because he\/she must always depend on the company\u2019s solvency. If it shuts down or goes bankrupt, he\/she may lose his\/her structured settlement instantly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, it includes income tax and spendthrift provisions. More often than not, periodic payments are funded by purchasing annuities with future payments. For this reason, structured settlements are sometimes referred to as periodical payments. It may also be called a structured judgment when incorporated into a trial judgment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Types of Structured Settlement Cases<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A structured settlement arises from the agreement on a payment schedule. The defendant&#8217;s insurance company transfers the portion to another insurer. It is usually an insurer that works on structured settlements. It can be received for different reasons. The list below shows some instances where a plaintiff can request a structured settlement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b>Personal Injury<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/personal-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> arises from a lawsuit filed by an individual harmed by another individual. Its primary purpose is to seek the rightful compensation for injuries. Structured settlements can provide funds for medical expenses and other related costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b>Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/what-is-workmans-compensation\/\">Workers&#8217; compensation<\/a> is a payment for workers recovering from work-related injuries. These serve to replace lost wages and pay other expenses when injured employees can\u2019t work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b>Medical Malpractice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors can do more harm and damage than help. Sometimes patients get injured due to negligence or utter disregard for their safety. With that, they can request a structured settlement for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/medical-malpractice\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical malpractice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If it results in the patient\u2019s death, families, friends, or close relatives can do so.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Wrongful Death<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The structured settlement also applies to families claiming the loss of loved ones. Upon the death of a loved one, beneficiaries may receive a stream of tax-free payments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Calculating the Amount of a Structured Settlement<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A structured settlement can work in various ways. It can act as income replacement or payments for costs. It is essential for the younger ones. Structured settlements for minors can guarantee a stream of tax-free payments for their future. The funds come from an annuity to provide periodic payments to the injured party.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These may be in different forms. They can either be in a lump-sum payment or structured payments over a fixed period. Up-front cash payment can also be considered. It covers more immediate needs and future periodic payments over an extended period. Hence, it can be negotiated and estimated using the following considerations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the length of the structure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frequency of payment (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the amount that you want to receive in each payment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a lump sum payment at the end of the specified period<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the ending of payments if the plaintiff dies before the end of the structure or payment continuation to your heirs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since it is locked in for the recipient, it\u2019s virtually unlimited, considering its design and function. But a person may choose to receive it as a lump-sum payment in the future, like after 20 years. It can be received monthly or lump-sums distributed over a specific period. Suppose you and the defendant agree on a structured settlement. You will receive $100,000 per year for ten years. As agreed upon, payments will continue to your heirs before the 10th year. With that, you and your heirs will receive $1,000,000 over the specified duration.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But since it is a future income stream, you have to estimate it using its present value. If the inflation and interest rates are constant, the money in the bank will grow over time. Even so, you will still receive $1,000,000. The amount to be put in the bank will depend on its present value and fixed interest rates. Assuming that the bank uses a simple interest method, the interest will simply accumulate over time. If the interest rates are set at 10%, the defendant will only have to put $500,000 in the bank since it will earn $50,000 every year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\">\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"186\" \/>\n<col width=\"395\" \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Considerations Before Buying a Structured Settlement<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax implications<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It pertains to the effect of a person\u2019s action on taxation. Generally, structured settlements are tax-free.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life expectancy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It refers to the number of years a person may live.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money management skills<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you prefer periodic payments, a structured settlement is a good fit for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other financial resources available<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before choosing between a structured settlement or a lump-sum payment, you must consider your financial resources. If you don\u2019t need a large amount immediately, you may choose a structured settlement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific terms of the annuity policy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annuities guarantee periodic payments over a specific period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4 dir=\"ltr\"><\/h4>\n<h4 dir=\"ltr\"><b>You can contact Diamond &amp; Diamond Lawyers if you have a question about structured settlements or have experienced an injury and need to seek compensation with the help of our personal injury lawyers.<\/b><\/h4>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\t\n\t\t\t<section class=\"h-protip-sec\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"63\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/02\/Screenshot_1-1.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw \/ 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw \/ 12)), 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Pro Tip <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A structured settlement benefits and advantages should always be discussed with your lawyer. Remember that it is completely your decision if you choose a lump sum or structured settlement in a personal injury case.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today!<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve sustained an injury and wish to know more about structured settlements, you may seek assistance from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/free-case-evaluation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diamond &amp; Diamond\u2019s personal injury lawyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Toronto. To speak with our personal injury law services, or to set up a free consultation, contact us today, and let\u2019s talk. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>FAQs on Structured Settlements<\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What is the difference between an annuity and a structured settlement?&#8221; style=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;blue&#8221; el_id=&#8221;1630560280849-b89423dc-e60c&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most structured settlements are annuities, but they are different from each other. Structured \u00a0 settlements are periodic payments to the plaintiff in line with specific court cases. A life insurance company funds these through an annuity contract. Meanwhile, annuities can also be used in retirement funds and investments. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What percentage do structured settlement companies take?&#8221; style=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;blue&#8221; el_id=&#8221;1630560313494-2c08b087-ae79&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factoring companies usually take 9-18% to cover their operating costs and generate income. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Are structured settlements worth it in a personal injury case?&#8221; style=&#8221;round&#8221; color=&#8221;blue&#8221; el_id=&#8221;1630560318543-a25c9eb8-e537&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, lump-sum payments are better than structured settlements. But structured settlements offer some advantages. It guarantees that you won\u2019t spend your money immediately and saves it from taxes. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Incidents may be deliberate or inadvertent. But what\u2019s certain is that they compel people to face the fear of suffering and even death. Personal injury always inflicts pain on a person\u2019s body, mind, and emotions. It can be minor wounds and bruises. Sometimes it can lead to impairment and loss. Moreso, the invisible marks&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[812],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal-needs","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10921","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10921\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}