EVALUATIONS

Our evaluation will estimate the cost of a single premium annuity used to fund a Structured Settlement. The term “cost” means the amount of money needed today to purchase a single premium annuity. In this respect, cost figures are directly comparable to lump-sum settlements. Since Legal Structures Inc. has a staff of licensed annuity brokers we can help you obtain an annuity for a structured settlement.

The cost and the true present value of an annuity used to fund a Structured Settlement are identical. “Present value” means the amount of money invested today, that will yield a future set of payments. By definition, the true present value and the cost are the same.

Annuity Cost
Structured Settlements typically are funded by the purchase of annuities from insurance companies that are not related to the Defendant Insurance Carrier. The annuity cost estimate is based on the current market for A+ or A++ (highest) rated life insurance companies.

Self-funding: Self-funding occurs when a Property and Casualty insurance company provides its own annuity from an affiliate life insurance company. In this case, the defense is saving the annuity commissions and profits. Hence, the self-funding cost is often 5-10% less than the annuity cost shown.

Present Value Cost Estimate
Our evaluation tells the plaintiff attorney the market cost of the defense’s Structured Settlement offer, including the lifetime payments, lump sums, guaranteed payments and cost-of-living increases. The cost of alternative offers can be compared, and we can assist in preparing a counterproposal to better reflect the individual needs of the plaintiff. If the structured settlement offer from the defense does not satisfy the cost or other needs of the plaintiff, our experts can assist in providing a counterproposal, adjusting the lifetime payments or matching the lump sum payments to the plaintiff’s needs for future funds.

Service
We can provide cost (present value) estimates of defense proposals within 30 minutes by phone or fax. We mail a written report the same day to document your file. Our fee for this service is $90.00.

Please contact one of our brokers for assistance at 866-865-8799.