Understanding Legal Funding

Legal funding has become a vital resource for plaintiffs and law firms. It provides financial help to plaintiffs so they can cover expenses while waiting for their cases to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at what legal funding is, how it works, and why it’s important for both plaintiffs and law firms.

What is Legal Funding?

Legal funding is a way for people involved in lawsuits to get money without having to repay it if they lose their case. This type of funding is different from a regular loan because if the plaintiff loses, they don’t have to pay the money back. This makes legal funding a good option for those who need financial support during a lawsuit but don’t want to risk getting into debt.

How Legal Funding Works

Here’s how the legal funding process usually works:

1. Application: Plaintiffs apply for funding by giving a legal funding company basic information about their case and their attorney’s contact details.
2. Evaluation: The legal funding company reviews the case, looking at things like liability, damages, and the chances of winning. This process often involves working with the plaintiff’s attorney.
3. Approval and Agreement: If the case looks strong, the funding company offers a cash advance to the plaintiff. The plaintiff and their attorney review and sign a contract outlining the terms and repayment conditions. Rockpoint’s transparent contracts show the exact amount plaintiffs will owe at settlement time, no small print or tricks! 
4. Funding: Once the agreement is signed, the plaintiff gets the money. This money can be used to cover expenses like medical bills, rent, or other living costs.
5. Repayment: If the plaintiff wins or settles the case, the funding company is repaid from the settlement money. If the plaintiff loses, no repayment is required.

Benefits of Legal Funding

Legal funding offers several benefits for both plaintiffs and law firms:

For Plaintiffs

• Financial Stability: Lawsuits can be expensive and stressful, especially if the plaintiff can’t work due to injury. Legal funding helps cover essential expenses, preventing financial hardship.
• Access to Justice: Some people give up valid claims because they can’t afford to keep fighting. Legal funding allows these people to pursue justice without settling for less than they deserve.
• Leverage in Negotiations: With financial support, plaintiffs can afford to wait for a fair settlement instead of taking low offers from insurance companies or defendants.

For Law Firms

1. Client Retention: Offering legal funding can help clients stay financially stable, making them less likely to abandon their cases.
2. Better Case Management: Clients with financial stability can afford to undergo necessary treatments, which strengthens their cases.

Types of Legal Funding

Legal funding comes in different forms to meet various needs:

Pre-Settlement Funding

Pre-settlement funding provides plaintiffs with money before their cases are resolved. This type of funding is common in personal injury cases and helps cover immediate expenses while waiting for a settlement.

Post-Settlement Funding

Post-settlement funding is offered after a case is settled but before the settlement money is paid out. It helps plaintiffs cover expenses or pay off debts while waiting for the settlement process to finish.

Litigation Funding

This type of funding helps law firms with expenses related to handling cases, like paying expert witnesses or covering operating costs. Litigation Funding allows law firms to take on more cases while investing their money elsewhere. 

Rockpoint’s non-recourse litigation funding means immediate access to capital. No need to wait months for approval — you can get a check tomorrow. It’s that fast!

Key Considerations for Plaintiffs

When thinking about legal funding, plaintiffs should consider:

Interest Rates and Fees

Legal funding companies charge interest and fees. Plaintiffs need to understand these costs and compare offers from different providers. High interest rates can reduce the amount of money they get from a settlement, so choosing a company with clear and reasonable terms is important.

Rockpoint’s funding contracts include an easy-to-read payment schedule table.

Reputable Funding Companies

It’s crucial to choose a trustworthy legal funding company. Plaintiffs should research potential providers, read reviews, and talk to their attorneys to make sure they pick a reliable company with transparent fees and a history of satisfied clients.

Rockpoint has a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 1,000 reviews.

Key Considerations for Law Firms

Law firms play a big role in the legal funding process. Here are some things attorneys should keep in mind:

Client Education

Attorneys should explain the legal funding process to their clients, including the benefits and possible downsides. This education helps clients make informed decisions and understand the financial implications.

Collaboration with Funding Companies

Clear communication between law firms and funding companies is key for a smooth process. Lawyers should quickly provide case information and work closely with the funding company to make sure evaluations are accurate and payments are timely.

Not Just for Plaintiffs

Legal funding isn’t just for plaintiffs; it’s also helpful for law firms and attorneys. Law firms can use legal funding to cover costs, hire expert witnesses, and prepare cases thoroughly. This financial support allows law firms to take on challenging cases without worrying about immediate expenses.

Legal Funding and Access to Justice

Legal funding plays a big role in making sure people can pursue justice. Many plaintiffs face financial barriers that prevent them from continuing with their cases. Legal funding helps by covering expenses and allowing plaintiffs to seek fair compensation. It also levels the playing field in litigation, helping plaintiffs stand up against large corporations and insurance companies with more resources.

Risks and Challenges of Legal Funding

While legal funding has many benefits, there are also risks and challenges:

High Costs

Legal funding can be expensive due to high interest rates and fees. Plaintiffs need to carefully consider if the benefits are worth the costs and explore other options if available.

Potential for Overfunding

Overfunding happens when plaintiffs get more money than they need, leading to excessive debt and reduced settlement proceeds. Plaintiffs and attorneys need to assess funding needs carefully and avoid overfunding.

Rockpoint will never push your clients to ask for more money than they need. We are ethical, and our goal is to build a long-term relationship with our customers.

The Future of Legal Funding

The legal funding industry is evolving with increasing demand and regulatory changes. Here are some trends shaping its future:

Technological Advancements

Technology is making the legal funding process more efficient and accessible. Online platforms streamline applications, evaluations, and disbursements, reducing processing times and increasing transparency.

Regulatory Changes

As the industry grows, regulations are developing to protect consumers and set industry standards. More regulation can improve transparency, reduce predatory practices, and promote fair competition among funding companies.

Legal funding has emerged as a crucial resource for plaintiffs and law firms, providing the financial support needed to pursue justice and secure fair settlements. By understanding the benefits, processes, and key considerations of legal funding, plaintiffs and their attorneys can make informed decisions that align with their financial needs and legal goals. 

If you are interested in learning more about legal funding or want to apply for funding, contact Rockpoint Legal Funding or submit an online application today.