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When it comes to receiving compensation for your personal injury case, you may be faced with the decision between receiving a lump sum or structured settlement payments. To be able to make an informed decision that best supports your desired outcome, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each choice. Our goal is to provide you with an understanding of these options to help you navigate this important decision.

Lump Sums: Instant Gratification

A lump sum payment is a single, upfront payment that represents the total amount of your settlement. This means you will receive all available compensation right off the bat, which is advantageous if you want immediate access to these funds. Having this access allows you to address any immediate financial needs or investment opportunities as you see fit, and at the very least will give you a sense of comfort following your personal injury.

Having this flexibility to manage your money however you like can be nice, but it is worth highlighting the importance of managing this money wisely. With such a large amount of money, people tend to make poor financial decisions, which can lead to further financial challenges down the road. Before accepting a lump sum, you really need to think about how you will manage these funds. You may need to seek guidance from a financial professional to come up with a comprehensive plan on how to best utilize and maximize your lump sum payment.

Structured Settlement: Long-Term Security

On the other hand, there is a payment option known as structured settlement. This option involves spreading out the settlement amount over a period of time, which typically can be structured at your discretion in monthly, quarterly, or even annual installments. While lump sum settlements offer financial freedom, structured payments offer more financial security, as you will be provided with a consistent stream of income over an extended period.

Structured settlements also offer tax benefits. There are tax laws that specifically apply to structured settlement because this form of payout benefits the federal and state governments more than a lump sum. Simply put, the long-term security of structured settlements reduces the burden on public assistance programs, which is not the case with lump sum payments.

While these benefits may sound nice, it is important to also consider the potential disadvantages that come with a structured settlement. One noticeable difference is the lack of flexibility. If, down the line, you are in immediate need of your funds, you may not be able to obtain them. There also may be restrictions on transferring these funds. You should look at this type of settlement as a steady stream of income and not a pool of money.

Our Injury Attorneys Prioritize Your Best Interests

When deciding between a structured settlement and a lump sum payment, it is important to consider all the unique circumstances of your case as well as your financial goals. Outside of this guide, there are extensive considerations to go through before making this big decision. Our attorneys can offer you invaluable guidance in navigating the complexities of personal injury settlements. Your rights are our priority.

If you or anyone you know would like to speak with an attorney, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you choose the settlement option that best aligns with your financial well-being.