Your experience while waiting for the outcome of your lawsuit in Nevada may depend on whether you have access to substantial cash. Not every plaintiff has enough savings that could last for years of litigation while being injured or unable to work. In situations like these, choosing between pre-settlement funding and personal loans is an important decision.
Both funding options are not the same, since taking a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or other traditional lender often involves putting your personal assets at risk. Learn the key differences between pre-settlement funding and personal loans in Nevada, and how to decide the best financial solution for your ongoing case.
What Is Pre-Settlement Funding in Nevada?
Pre-settlement funding in Nevada is financial assistance for plaintiffs who are actively pursuing compensation during a personal injury lawsuit. As the name implies, it is financial support structured as access to cash before you receive a settlement for your case. Here is how pre-settlement funding works:
- It is a portion of your anticipated settlement: The pre-settlement funding amount is structured to not exceed what your expected compensation would conveniently repay.
- The funding decision is solely lawsuit-based: The funding decision is generally based on the details and strength of your lawsuit.
What Are Personal Loans in Nevada?
Personal loans are traditional funding options that provide a sum of money to be repaid over a fixed period, usually through a scheduled repayment plan. This type of financial solution is offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
Unlike pre-settlement funding, the approval for personal loans typically focuses on factors such as credit score, income level, and employment history. Your situation as an injured person or as an individual seeking compensation in court is usually not considered.
What Are the Requirements for Pre-Settlement Funding vs Personal Loans in Nevada?
To access cash to cover your expenses, you may consider pre-settlement funding or personal loans as a plaintiff. However, the requirements for each financial solution vary in the following ways:
Requirements for pre-settlement funding
Eligibility for pre-settlement funding in Nevada is based on factors that help assess the strength of your case and chances of receiving compensation. Here are the common prerequisites for this legal funding solution:
- An active lawsuit against the party at fault for the accident, losses, or injuries sustained.
- Supporting documentation for your lawsuit.
- Proof of attorney representation.
The value of pre-settlement funding will depend on factors such as the severity of your losses or injuries, the strength of evidence against the defendant, the chances of receiving compensation outcome, and the potential settlement amount.
Requirements for personal loans
Your financial profile is an important requirement to qualify for traditional loan options, such as bank or credit loans. The exact requirements depend on the type of loan and institution providing the financial assistance, but eligibility often depends on factors such as:
- Credit score
- Employment status and income level
- Outstanding debt
- Collateral and personal assets’ worth
It may be easier to receive pre-settlement funding than a personal loan if you are a plaintiff with a poor financial history. You should also consider the risk of losing your valuable collateral if you cannot keep up with loan repayment schedules.
How Does Repayment Work for Pre-Settlement Funding vs. Personal Loans in Nevada?
The repayment terms of any funding agreement are important to understand before accepting the offer. Here is how repayment works for Nevada pre-settlement vs. personal loans:
Repayment terms for pre-settlement funding
Repaying the funding offered while awaiting a settlement outcome from a pending case follows a non-recourse agreement. This means pre-settlement funding repayment is only required when your case results in compensation. There are no monthly payments while your case is ongoing, and the repayment amount to repay is determined under the funding agreement and comes only from the compensation you receive.
Repayment policy for personal loans
Personal loans, such as bank or credit union loans, have a different repayment policy from pre-settlement funding in Nevada. They often follow a scheduled monthly payments with interest, regardless of whether you win or lose the case. Late or missed payments may result in penalties, affect your credit profile, or lead to the loss of collateral.
When Should You Choose Pre-Settlement Funding Instead of a Personal Loan in Nevada?
Choosing between pre-settlement funding and a personal loan in Nevada needs careful consideration. However, these are situations where the lawsuit funding option may be better:
- You have an active personal injury or civil lawsuit.
- Your income or earning power has reduced due to injury or heavy financial loss.
- You want financial support that does not involve consideration of your credit rating.
- You want legal funding and cash support without risks to your personal assets.
- You want funding with a non-recourse structure, where you owe nothing unless you receive compensation.
When Might a Personal Loan Be a Better Option in Nevada?
While pre-settlement funding is commonly considered by plaintiffs pursuing compensation in Nevada, these are situations where you might want to go for a personal loan:
- You do not have an ongoing legal case while pursuing a settlement.
- You have an excellent credit score and can meet repayment conditions regardless of your case outcome.
- You prefer to pay out of pocket now and keep your entire compensation when the case settles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing Between Nevada Pre-Settlement Funding and Personal Loans
These are mistakes to avoid as a plaintiff when applying for a personal loan or pre-settlement funding:
Not reviewing the funding agreement.
While pre-settlement funding may be non-recourse and carry lower financial risk than personal loans, it is important to understand the terms of the agreement. Ensure there is a transparent and clear contract regarding the fees, repayment terms, and other important conditions of your chosen funding option.
Not having legal representation for the funding process.
Most pre-settlement funding companies will require you to be represented by an attorney to verify your case details and provide supporting documents during the application process. Legal representation also provides guidance throughout the funding process and helps you understand the terms of your funding agreement.
Apply for Nevada Pre-Settlement Funding for Financial Support!
Pre-settlement funding offers a non-recourse repayment structure that can provide the peace of mind you need during litigation. At High Rise Financial, we offer a free application process with upfront fees to apply or have your case reviewed. To see if you qualify for funding, we carefully assess your application details. Contact our lawsuit funding experts in Nevada to find out whether your case is eligible for financial assistance.