Chitika

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Finding Structured Settlement Buyers

Settlement buyers will offer a lower amount than the lump sum settlement would have been, but the seller gets access to faster cash than the scheduled payments. While it would have been ideal in many cases to opt for the lump sum settlement in the first place, sometimes sudden large expenses come up that could not have been foreseen.
When a plaintiff is awarded an out-of-court settlement, there are two ways that the defendant can pay it: as a lump sum or a structured settlement, which is basically an installment plan that can be arranged in a number of ways. It's possible to set up the structure so that a large portion is paid up front, followed by a schedule of smaller payments. A uniform set of small payments can be made on a yearly schedule, or a set of large payments can be scheduled to occur every few years. Insurance companies often establish structured settlements by purchasing annuities that make sure regular payments are disbursed to the claimant.
One of the main reasons plaintiffs will consider structured insurance settlements is that they're tax-free, though there may be federal restrictions on this tax break of the structure is purchased by a third party. Another reason is that the recipients may know that they lack the fiscal self-discipline to leave a lump sum alone. By having a settlement award distributed over recurring payments, recipients can't overextend themselves beyond each payment period.
However, there are disadvantages to structured settlements that may require selling them. If the claimant suddenly wants to make a large purchase, and they're locked into receiving smaller payments, there's no way to go back to a lump sum settlement; so he or she needs to sell the structured settlement.

Basic Tips to Purchase Structured Settlements

The purchase of structured settlements requires a lot of thought between the both parties involved. The purchaser does not want to enter into this transaction if the company paying the structured settlement is not sound or profitable. The seller does not want to venture into a frivolous sale which cannot benefit in the long term and compensate for the loss of the structured payments. These are just some of the concerns that need to be addressed when discussions are taking place to purchase structured settlements.
Structured settlements arise from the settlement of lawsuits. It is usually where companies settle a case out of court and a lump sum is paid to the defendant as a result of defective medication or products, injury, accident, malpractice in the medical profession to name a few. These settlements can work out to be a large sum and in most cases the monies are paid via a fixed sum on a timely basis. The basis can be monthly, semi-annual or yearly or whatever is decided upon by the two parties involved. Another reason for these structured settlements is because in many cases, the individual or parties involved are unable to work or maintain the expected standard of income that would have been enjoyed prior. These amounts when paid over a period of time will equate to the affected individual receiving more money, since interest accumulates on the unpaid portion at any given time.
There are companies that purchase settlements from individuals. This benefits the settlement owner if a lump sum of money is what is needed at that point in time. It may be required for a meaningful purchase such as real estate and education; however it is always important to weigh very carefully the benefits derived from the lump sum payment and the long term installments received on a timely basis.
In order to purchase or invest in these settlements, the transaction has to be profitable or lucrative to the purchaser. There is usually a fee to be charged, which will be calculated as a percentage of the settlement. The long term investment and therefore the long term interest to be derived from the purchase is another benefit derived. In many cases, dependent on the state in which the settlement resides, approval by the court is required to purchase structured settlements. This is to determine that any purchase of structured settlements is done in good faith and that the settlement holder is not taken advantage of in any way by the purchaser. It also serves to ensure that the settlement holder is in fact making a correct decision and not selling blindly without thinking of the future.
When attempts are made to purchase these settlements the settlement holder can agree to sell part of the structured settlement. In this way the holder not only benefits from receiving a lump sum from the sale, but continues to receive some of the pre-determined payments on a timely basis.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

First, Do No Harm

First, Do No Harm

This review is from: First, Do No Harm (Mass Market Paperback)
I could hardly put this book down until I was finished with it. It was not just eye-opening about how some of the ethical choices in medicine must be made, including the all-too necessary financial considerations. It showed how human doctors are and how difficult it can be for them to have to make heart-wrenching decisions in which there is no right answer, especially when it is clear that, no matter which choice they make, there is not going to be a good outcome for the patient. In spite of their training and attempt to insulate themselves emotionally from their cases in order to remain objective and professional, it's not always possible. Ms. Belkin's descriptions of doctors in tears was very moving, and proved to me that those people chose the right profession, because they really do care about their patients.
I found, by searching for them on the AMA web site, that a lot of the doctors in this book are still in practice in Houston (one is in Albuquerque). This search gave absolute credence to the fact that these stories are not fiction but about real people.

EatSmart Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale with 3.5" LCD and "Step-On" Technology

EatSmart Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale with 3.5" LCD and "Step-On" Technology

Product Features

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  • 2) Large backlit 3.5" LCD display - easy to read from any distance
  • 3) 4 High Precision G sensors - Measurement in increments .2 lbs. / 3oz. to 400 lbs or 180 kgs every time
  • 4) Lightweight aluminum/plastic top and large 12" x 13" platform
  • 5) Auto calibated; auto power-off; runs on 4 AAA batteries (included); 100% Eatsmart satisfaction guarantee

Saturday, December 18, 2010

What Can We Benefit From An Accident Claim?

A personal injury claim cannot be pursued without the aid of qualified lawyer to guide you in your case. Hence, you should find a legal counsel who has the expertise in dealing with your particular case. For instance, if your case happens to be medical malpractice lawsuit, it is recommendable for you to hire a lawyer who understands the malpractice law, who also has vast experience, and who is reputable in handling such cases.
Not all lawyers are competent in all aspects of law. Choosing an ineffective legal counsel will just weaken your chances of winning your accident claim and most probably, you may not have the opportunity of recovering the right compensation that you deserve.
Finally, the success of your accident claim also relies on how you cooperate with your lawyer. Dealing with your lawyer positively might even increase the amount of your compensation.
This piece of writing will try to explain further the advantages of filing a claim and teach you the process if you have sustained an accident injury due to other party’s wrongdoing.
First, let us tackle the two elements of damages that serve as bases for your possible compensation.
General Damages
This type of damages pertains to the level of pain, suffering, trauma or any other disability brought about by the accident to the injured victim. This also entails the period in which the victim needs to recover from its effects.
Furthermore, this may be evaluated through a medical examination undertaken by a duly licensed physician who has the specialization on the subject. In many occasions, the report will also include the possible effects of the injury in the daily social and physical performance or even the entire lifestyle of the victim.
Special Damages
These damages involve all the monetary expenses and considerations of the victims that resulted from the accident such as medical bills, loss of wages, damage to property and many others. Thus, the victims should make sure that all their expenses related to the injury are properly accounted for. In addition, they should keep all the receipts since it may serve as evidence if their opponent questioned the amount.

Accident Claim Personal

When you’re going to establish the compensation that you’ll demand, it’s really easy to compute all the money you’ve spent and the money you’ve lost, but not the pain and suffering or the missed experiences and lost opportunities you’ve endured. This is where the formula that is being used by insurance companies comes in. First, an insurance adjuster computes the total medical expenses associated with the injury. That becomes the base figure to be used to find out the amount that the victim must receive for the pain, suffering and other financial losses. When the injuries are quite minor, the adjuster then multiplies the amount by 1.5 or 2 and up to 5 for more serious and add it to any loss of income due to the accident.
In addition, there are various things that help the adjuster to determine the correct multiplier. The more painful the injury, the longer the recovery period, the more obvious the medical evidence of the injury, the more invasive and long-lasting the medical treatment, and the more serious and visible any permanent result of the injury, the higher the multiplier is, too. Also, the more of your treatment you receive from a physician or at a hospital, or opposed to physical therapy, chiropractic and other non-MD treatment, a higher multiplier is also used.
Once you know how insurance companies use the damages formula to start negotiating, you are close to figuring out the total value of your claim. The extent of fault for each person is the most important factor affecting how much the insurance company is likely to pay. The damages formula gives you a range of how much your injuries might be worth, but only after you figure in the question of fault do you know the actual compensation value of your claim -- that is, how much an insurance company will pay you.
When you already know how insurance companies utilize the damages formula to begin negotiations, you are near at finding out the exact and total value of your claim. The degree that every person is being held liable is the most significant element that affects the amount that the insurance company is most likely to pay an accident victim. The said formula for damages provides you with the range of how much your injury might be worth but only after you figure in the question of fault do you know the actual compensation value of your claim - to be exact, how much an insurance company will compensate you.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Personal Injury Claim Solicitors

What is No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claim?

No win, no fee policy gives everyone access to justice irrespective of their financial circumstances. You need not pay up front for medical examinations or pay part of your personal injury compensation to an accident management company to cover their charges.

There are many personal injury solicitors who work on a no win, no fee basis. No win no fee agreements allow you to make a claim for personal injury compensation without having to pay for solicitor's fees.If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of an accident, you may wish to pursue a compensation claim against the party who was responsible for causing you harm. According to no win no fee basis claims company, see what happens if you win a claim:

o Your reasonable legal fees will be paid by the losing party's insurer

o Your disbursements such as expert witness fees, medical records fees etc will also be reimbursed. (most law firms will defer payment of any such fees and not request these expenses up front)

o You will receive your compensation / damages which will include out of pocket expenses and where appropriate future losses. These money should be paid in full i.e., 100%

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