The Structured Settlement (Annuity) Planning Process – New York, Washington State

Settlement planning is the process of helping injury victims and other claimants use their settlement proceeds to attain their financial goals, which includes protecting their recovery from dissipation risk, taxes, liens, and other hazards. It is important for those whose best settlement option is a structured annuity to seek the counsel of an experienced, plaintiff-focused settlement broker, since only trained professionals can design a settlement plan that meets the client’s long-term financial goals. At Settlement Professionals, Incorporated, our structured settlement and annuity brokers serve New York and Washington state, as well as communities across the nation. Anthony Alfieri and Paul Isaac provide expert counsel to help plaintiffs and their families make informed decisions for their financial well-being in the near and distant future.

How Does Our Structured Settlement Planning Process Work?

The settlement planning process is a comprehensive approach designed to ensure that a plaintiff’s settlement meets his or her needs. By fully advising the plaintiff on all his or her financial options and shifting the control of the settlement away from the defense, the settlement planning process protects the plaintiff’s interests while removing liability from his or her attorney. To learn more about the settlement or annuity planning process, contact Settlement Professionals, Incorporated in New York or Washington state.

Steps in the Structured Annuity Planning Process

Settlement Professionals, Incorporated follows the following steps in the structured settlement planning process:

Prior to mediation (at 30, 60, and 90 days prior), the client receives a letter of introduction explaining who we are, our qualifications, and what we do.
Prior to, or at, mediation, our team assists the plaintiff’s attorney with predicting the strategy and negotiation tactics of the defendants. We also begin educating the plaintiff about the concepts of settlement planning.
At the time of settlement, if the defense has its own structured settlement broker, our brokers seek disclosures from the defense regarding rebates or kickbacks to the casualty insurer. We also inquire as to the existence, if any, of approved annuity lists that may limit the plaintiff’s choices regarding his or her settlement. After disclosing this information to the plaintiff and his or her attorney, we decide on the best course of action and obtain permission from the client to proceed.
The case is settled without committing the client to any one strategy.
After the case is settled, we meet with the client for in-depth planning of the settlement. Our structured settlement and annuity brokers are known in New York and Washington state for the dedication we have toward our clients throughout the planning process. Our goal is to educate clients so they are able to make decisions that protect their long-term interests.
Next, we deliver the settlement plan. We provide the client with their customized settlement plan and information on our recommendations based on their goals and needs. If structured settlement annuities are deemed to be appropriate for the tort victim to meet his or her future needs, we obtain bids from the most reputable companies in the marketplace. We also provide a full market survey to assure that all prices and financial ratings are fully disclosed to the client.
Finally, we execute the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement is executed with the defense, which may or may not include structured settlement annuities, per consensus of tort victim and ALL his or her advisors.
Annual review as necessary.

The entire settlement planning process is designed to protect the interests of our clients to the highest degree possible and limit attorney liability.

Contact Settlement Professionals, Incorporated

Individuals who obtain a personal injury or wrongful death settlement should seek counsel by experienced structured settlement planners to prevent dissipation of their settlement. A skilled settlement planner can assist with each step of the planning process to protect your annuity. To arrange a consultation with a structured settlement (annuity) professional in New York or Washington state, contact Settlement Professionals, Incorporated.

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