Boulder City Magazine is a monthly publication full of information about Boulder City and Southern Nevada. Boulder City Magazine features the Boulder City Home Guide, a real estate guide to Boulder City and Southern Nevada.

Lawyer's Edge
by Rodney S.Woodbury, Esq.
Woodbury Law

Structured Settlements



“It’s my money and I want it now,” according to the actors who sing the phrase repeatedly on the TV commercial. The advertisements seek to induce recipients of structured settlements to contact the advertiser to obtain immediate cash.

A structured settlement is common in large personal injury or wrongful death claims which are resolved through pre-trial negotiations. When the plaintiff is a minor child or an adult with severe physical or mental disabilities, it is often advisable to structure the settlement. This is accomplished by using the net settlement proceeds to purchase an annuity from an insurance company. The annuity pays the beneficiary guaranteed periodic payments for an extended period of time.

For a child, the payments normally begin when he or she becomes old enough to attend college or trade school. The increase in value over time is tax-free so this can be a good long-term investment, as well as a reasonable means of spreading out the payments for someone who is immature or otherwise unprepared to handle large sums of money.

Over the years, I have handled many injury cases which resulted in structured settlements. Some involved children, and one was a lawsuit on behalf of a young woman who was rendered quadriplegic by virtue of the injuries caused by negligence at a casino. In each case, a structured settlement was clearly in the best interests of my client.

In order to cash in a long-term annuity, the beneficiary has to sell the contract at a very big discount to firms like those who advertise on television. This can often lead to temporary help to address immediate financial needs or desires but long-term losses and disappointments. It should be contemplated only after full consideration of all of the consequences and a professional consultation.

To contact Bruce, call him at (702) 293-3674 or (702) 699-7500,
or visit his website at www.juwws.com.




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