We told you earlier about attempts in the Oklahoma state Senate to prohibit pre-settlement financing. Fortunately, for thousands of struggling victims there, Senate Bill 1780 looks to be stalled. But that hasn’t stopped the tort reform movement from waging its war in other states. The most recent attempt to keep injured plaintiffs out of court is Connecticut’s House Bill 5419. Unlike Oklahoma, Connecticut’s legislation would just regulate interest rates, not outlaw the entire industry. Without eliminating pre-settlement financing outright, plaintiffs would still have a valuable resource at their disposal, one which presents a big threat to big business. Cue the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce…

In a recent op-ed, the Chamber’s president and CEO, Tony Sheridan, launched into the same, tired tort reform arguments against pre-settlement financing. But some of his op-ed went too far.

First, Sheridan claims our industry “seek[s] out plaintiffs,” which couldn’t be further from the truth. At USClaims, we don’t market to clients – only attorneys. Our clients are referred by their attorneys, and every financing request is rigorously reviewed by our staff attorneys. We never pressure clients into financing, and we never would.

Sheridan’s claim that we “seek out plaintiffs” is a complete misrepresentation of our industry that should disqualify him from the debate. His implication is that we fund frivolous lawsuits, pressuring plaintiffs to sue. We explicitly do not fund lawsuits, and our in-house legal counsel scrutinizes every case to ensure that we’re only providing support to plaintiffs with legitimate claims.

Second, after acknowledging that injury victims are often “in tough financial situations and in need of cash,” he dismisses their needs by demanding that these “vulnerable people” be cut off from the support they so desperately need. Sheridan is correct on one thing: most plaintiffs do face almost insurmountable financial pressures while awaiting a verdict or settlement. Too hurt to work, facing mounting medical bills and possible eviction or foreclosure, these victims need financial support to keep their heads above water. And thanks to big business interests like Sheridan’s Chamber, the average personal injury claim can take upwards of three years to settle. Corporations and insurance companies have the resources to stall settlements, which is precisely why pre-settlement financing is so crucial. Our industry helps level the playing field for consumers, helping them wage a fair fight for the compensation they deserve. If Sheridan had his way, though, these “vulnerable people” would have no recourse when they find themselves “in tough financial situations and in need of cash.”

Finally, Sheridan laughably suggests that our industry was intimately involved in the crafting of Connecticut’s legislation, a claim that, considering the Chamber’s own history, is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Chambers of Commerce have long been consulted to help draft legislation reforming our justice system. Big tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and insurance companies have long funded a multimillion dollar lobbying effort to get pro-business legislation passed. It might seem odd that big business would be consulted on legal reforms, something you might turn to scholars, professors, judges, or attorneys for, but many politicians have pushed tort reforms as economic boosters – largely at the behest of their corporate contributors. So, has our industry consulted with elected officials? Yes, and we’re proud of it. The American Legal Finance Association acted independently to draft a set of industry best practices, and we’ve worked with legislatures and regulators to advance responsible standards. We’re committed to providing injured victims with the resources they need to pursue justice, whereas the Chamber is more concerned with shutting courthouse doors on consumers.

All in all, Tony Sheridan’s op-ed is a great piece of tort reform propaganda, but it shouldn’t be read as an objective piece of legislative commentary. At the end of the day, the Chamber wants to limit their liability in our justice system, and they’re willing to exploit injured victims to do it.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Big Business is attacking pre-settlement financing in its push to prevent victims from seeking justice in our courts. And why wouldn’t they? Pre-settlement financing helps cash-strapped plaintiffs stand up to corporations and insurance companies, and empowered victims are bad for business.

In Texas, which already has some of the nation’s most restrictive tort reform laws, Big Business is pressuring lawmakers to impose harsh regulations on the pre-settlement finance industry. Disguised as a consumer protection campaign, corporate interests are trying to tip the scales of justice in their favor. In a recent letter to The Statesman,  the chairman of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas decried pre-settlement financing companies as “sharks” that prey on “cash-strapped consumers.” Unfortunately, the tort reform movement was long ago discredited as an arm of big tobacco, pharmaceutical companies, the insurance industry, and auto manufacturers – the natural enemies of equal access to our courts. Therefore, any argument made by one of Big Business’ “citizen” tort reform groups is suspicious from the start.

But the Statesman editorial goes a step further. Claiming that our industry is the Wild West of lending is patently false and just another example of the tort reform movement’s tendency for hyperbole. Our firm has some of the highest ethical standards and clearest terms. We’re also proud members of the American Legal Finance Association, a group representing more than 20 of the nation’s leading pre-settlement financing firms. In 2004, ALFA’s members  teamed up to establish industry standards for transparency and disclosure. We weren’t forced to draft “Best Practices” for our firms; we volunteered to, because we want to provide the best possible service to our clients.

The facts are this: corporate interests are funding the tort reform movement, and in their quest to block injured victims from seeking justice in our courts, they’re attacking anyone who tries to level the playing field for plaintiffs. For years, they’ve attacked trial attorneys, and now they’re attacking us. Without pre-settlement financing, many victims would be forced to settle for less than they deserve – or drop their claims completely. Who benefits when pre-settlement financing is regulated out of business? Fortune 500 corporations and insurance companies.

Our lawmakers should stand up for consumers, not corporate interests.

If you need financial support while waiting for your claim to settle, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you wage a fair fight.

We’ve discussed the effect budget cuts to our courts can have on your settlement, and others are taking notice, too. A recent article in the San Mateo Daily Journal tackles the implications of slashed budgets.

Facing crippling deficits, San Mateo County agencies and courts are implementing staff and hour reductions, which results in disastrous delays. “Traffic court once had 12 and then nine sessions per week which has now dwindled to five. Cases the once took six to eight weeks will now push out months.”

Are courts being hit with cuts at a disproportionate rate than other government services? It seems as though it may be. Officials quoted in the article believe “the state Legislature hits the system with disproportionate cuts because those services are less publicized.” Legislators still need to remain popular, and most people don’t feel the cuts until they have a case before the courts.

The budget cuts don’t just delay the functioning of the court; they also inconvenience plaintiffs, making it less likely they’ll pursue their claims. Consolidating offices has forced some people to travel across town, and staffing reductions have delayed some proceedings days at a time, forcing plaintiffs to take more time off of work.

As our state and local governments continue to grapple with the effects of the recession, these cuts won’t be eased any time soon. Before the fiscal crisis, claims took an average of three years to reach settlement. That number will undoubtedly grow if we continue to strip our judicial system of the funding it needs to function efficiently.

If you’re facing a stalled settlement and need help now, contact us today. The support you need is just a phone call away, and we can get you the cash you need in less than 24 hours. Don’t let a stalled settlement effect your financial future.

Oklahoma’s Senate has passed legislation that would effectively ban pre-settlement financing, making such financing a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. While the Senate may have had good intentions, this legislation will hurt plaintiffs in the long-run.

The Oklahoma bill would make it illegal for a company to make a loan to a plaintiff that would be paid back from settlement funds or a jury award. They argue pre-settlement financing encourages frivolous lawsuits and jeopardizes the integrity of the judicial system.

At first look, the bill appears to be an attempt to protect consumers. However, upon closer inspection, it’s intent is closer to that of tort reform or a solution in search of a problem.

Hysteria over frivolous lawsuits has repeatedly been outed as a tort reform bogey man. Statistics show that frivolous lawsuits are rarely filed, and when they are, our judicial system is well-equipped to dispatch them.

Arguing that pre-settlement financing jeopardizes the integrity of our courts is blatantly false. If anything, pre-settlement financing levels the playing field for injured plaintiffs. Many don’t have the resources to withstand a protracted court battle against insurance companies and wealthy defendants. Pre-settlement financing provides them with the financial support they need to wait for a fair settlement. Without financing, cash-strapped plaintiffs would be forced to settle for less than they’re entitled to, which would do nothing to preserve the integrity of our courts.

Instead of eliminating pre-settlement financing out-right, Oklahoma’s legislature should work with us to set higher standards. As a member of the American Legal Finance Association, we worked with other firms to establish industry standards that focused on transparency in transactions and clear disclosure to consumers. We’ve begun the conversation, and we look forward to working with others to make the industry as ethical and transparent as possible.

If Oklahoma succeeds in banning pre-settlement financing, injury victims will suffer. This bill will do nothing but cut off a crucial resource plaintiffs need to fight for the compensation they deserve.

Allstate Insurance Company has launched a lawsuit in New York, claiming several no-fault medical claims were fraudulent. Now the company wants its claims money back, and they’re willing to go to court to get it. This is just another example of Allstate’s ruthless pursuit of profits and their disdain for policyholders.

A recent blog post perfectly summarizes Allstate’s own fraud in denying policyholders’ claims. Using the method of “delay, deny, confuse, and refuse,” Allstate works diligently to keep its clients from collecting claims money they’re entitled to. Employing “defense medical exams,” Allstate uses its paid stable of doctors to argue against its clients’ treating physicians, looking for any excuse to deny payouts. Allstate’s motto may be the “good hands people,” but their relationship with their clients is nothing but adversarial.

We’ve worked with hundreds of injured Allstate clients who are forced to fight on two fronts: one against the defendant who harmed them and the other against their insurance company. In need of medical care, but without the insurance to pay for it, many of our clients accumulate massive amounts of debt. Facing foreclosure and financial ruin, too many plaintiffs are forced to settle for less than they deserve, which is exactly what Allstate is counting on.

In its own lawsuit against New York medical providers, Allstate proves itself again to be more interested in profits than policy holders.

If you need financial assistance while you wait for your claim to settle, contact us today.

You and your family – along with millions of Americans – have felt the effects of our struggling economy. But you’re not alone. Our courts aren’t immune, either. Faced with dwindling budgets, state courts are facing cuts that could have an impact on your case.

According to the National Center for State Courts, 42 state court systems have seen their budgets cut dramatically in the last year. Of those states, California has been one of the most hard pressed, with courts closing for several days each month and imposing massive court personnel layoffs. Georgia’s courts have had to rely on interns to keep its clerk office open. In Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, court officials facing a $3.5 million budget deficit have frozen hiring and considered eliminating judicial seats.

If you’re waiting for your case to settle, court budget cuts could force you into an untenable situation. On average, personal injury cases can take up to three years to reach settlement. With court closures and reduced staff, you could find yourself waiting even longer to receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt by another’s negligence, you may not be able to work. You could also face mounting medical bills that force you into debt or foreclosure. You can’t afford to wait for your case to make its way through an already clogged court system.

If you need help making ends meet while your attorney fights for a fair settlement, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about pre-settlement financing and how we can help buy you the time you need.

With news of the deadly pileup in Gainesville, Florida, we’re reminded of the unpredictability of sudden tragedies. When smoke from a brush fire blinded motorists on Interstate 75, trucks and cars collided, killing at least 10 within a startlingly short period of time. In minutes, lives were ruined and families destroyed.

The Florida Highway Patrol, which had closed the highway earlier due to dangerous conditions, claims its decision to reopen the highway shortly before the pileup was appropriate. Florida’s governor has demanded an investigation, and details will continue to be revealed in the coming days and weeks.

But what about the victims? With at least 10 dead and hundreds injured, the pileup has changed the lives of countless people. While the investigation continues, facts are gathered, and lawsuits filed, how are the victims expected to stay above water financially?

An unexpected injury can throw a family into financial chaos. Too hurt to work and unable to pay bills, many families lose their livelihood, their savings, and their homes. It’s impossible to plan for a tragedy like the pileup in Florida, but there are services to help you through.

We offer pre-settlement financing for personal injury plaintiffs. If you’ve been hurt in an accident and are waiting for your lawsuit to settle, we can help you pay your bills and weather the storm until you receive the compensation you deserve. Instead of adding to your pain, we’ll help relieve some of the stress that comes with an unexpected injury.

If you or a loved on have been injured and need financial assistance, contact us today. We can help you pay your medical bills and household expenses until your lawsuit settles.

Hopefully, the victims of the Gainesville tragedy will get the help they so desperately need in the aftermath of this horrible accident.

For most of us, the holidays are a time to exchange gifts with friends and family and share special meals and traditions. However, if your client is waiting for a fair settlement, their holiday could be less than joyous. Too hurt to work and unable to pay the bills, your client may have nothing left to celebrate.

Don’t let a delayed settlement ruin your holiday -
 call us today.

We’re the nation’s premier pre-settlement financing firm. Our rates are up to 75 percent less than other companies, and our settled claims fees start as low as 2 percent per month. We have the highest ethical standards in the industry and a no recovery, no risk pledge. We’ve also been named Best Case Funding by readers of The Legal Intelligencer.

We believe everyone deserves a happy holiday.
 Call us toll-free today at (877) 872-5246 or use our contact form to apply today.

With the holidays fast approaching, families will gather together to exchange gifts and celebrate the season. But if your client is waiting for a personal injury claim to settle, the holidays could be a little less bright.

During these tough economic times, families are struggling to make do with less and make every dollar count. Some will be forced to go without, sacrificing their holidays in favor of paying of day-to-day bills. For those who are hurt, unable to work, and waiting for a settlement or verdict, the pressure of the holidays could compound their situation.

Don’t let your client’s family go without this holiday season – we can help.

We provide pre-settlement financial assistance to clients struggling to pay their bills while they wait for a fair settlement. We’ve helped thousands of people, and with more than a decade of experience, we’re the most established pre-settlement financing firm in the industry. Our rates are up to 75 percent less than other companies, and we offer your clients risk-free financing – if they don’t recover a settlement or award, they owe us nothing.

If your clients are facing a less than merry holiday, contactus  today. It’s not too late to get them the financial relief they need in time for the holidays. We can provide funding in less than 24 hours, and you can even apply online!

This season, make sure your clients have something to celebrate. Contact us today toll free at (877) 872-5246.

The effects of the recession are obvious, and the ramifications reach into every aspect of our lives. Too many are out of work, and families everywhere are cutting back to survive these tough economic times. While our economy may be showing slight signs of recovery, for many, that recovery hasn’t become a reality yet.

And unfortunately, the crisis has hit personal injury victims particularly hard. Insurance companies are less likely to settle and more willing to dig their heels in for a long legal battle. This leaves plaintiffs in limbo – too hurt to work and facing mounting medical bills while they wait for a fair settlement.

And with the holidays approaching, many personal injury victims are feeling the pressure of a delayed settlement. In addition to lost wages, pain and suffering, and a diminished quality of life, your family shouldn’t have to sacrifice their holiday cheer, too.

Fortunately, there’s an answer – pre-settlement financing. If you’re waiting for a resolution to your personal injury lawsuit but need money now, we can help. We can get you the cash you need to pay your bills in less than 24 hours. And our repayment rates are the lowest in the industry.

Most importantly, if you lose your case, you owe us nothing. That’s right – no recovery, no repayment.

Don’t let a stalled settlement ruin your holidays. Contact us today to find out how we can help!