5 Tips for Improving Client Satisfaction in 2017
Whether you are a seasoned attorney or just starting out, you likely understand the importance of keeping a steady stream of satisfied clients. And sometimes it takes a team to keep all clients happy. With that in mind, here are 5 ways your settlement planner can help increase your firm’s standard of client care […]
TAX-FREE VS. TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CLIENT?
Depending on the type of settlement your client receives, there may be an opportunity to maximize the settlement funds while minimizing the tax burden. In some instances, your client may be eligible for an income-tax free structured settlement annuity, while others may qualify for a tax-deferred structured settlement annuity. Both offer a number of advantages […]
STOP! MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THESE 5 QUESTIONS BEFORE SETTLING YOUR CASE
It’s tempting to wrap up your client’s settlement as quickly as possible. If you move too quickly, though, there are several issues that can derail the settlement before the money is in your client’s hands. Here are five questions to answer before signing the settlement agreement: Question 1: Does Your Client Currently Receive Needs-Based Government […]
Don’t Fall for These 6 Structured Settlement Myths
Structured settlements provide claimants involved in certain types of cases with a valuable tool for financial stability. Unfortunately, there are a number of myths that may prevent claimants from considering this approach or worse, may prevent their attorneys from even recommending a structured settlement in the first place. MYTH #1: Only minors, disabled adults, […]
Are You and Your Clients Using This New Settlement Tool?
Last year, Pacific Life unveiled a new product, the Index-Linked Annuity Payment Adjustment Rider (ILAPA). The ILAPA product is an optional rider for claimants who choose to purchase structured settlement annuities and attorneys who structure their fees through Pacific Life. Individuals who select the ILAPA product will see a tax-free increase in structured annuity payments […]
The Cost of Cashing Out Structured Settlements
Most plaintiff attorneys know that structured settlements are tools that ensure a steady, long-term flow of income for their injured clients. But what happens when the client wants to make a big purchase now instead of waiting for the money to be distributed? If the settlement hasn’t been properly planned, then that’s where a factoring […]
Learning the Hard Way
(Guest Post by Casey Johnson, Esq. – Partner, Aitken – Aitken – Cohn) “I thought I had done everything right to protect the plaintiff’s right to avail herself of the benefits of an annuity. However, during the informal negotiations, I had failed to specifically mention the right for the plaintiff to annuitize all or part […]
Is Your Client’s Settlement Opening You Up to Liability?
Plaintiffs who receive a personal injury settlement face a number of important considerations, not the least of which is whether or not they’ll risk losing government benefits if they elect to receive a lump sum. For the attorney, an uneducated client can be a potential red flag for a future malpractice case. ENTITLEMENT BENEFITS VS. […]