Frequently Asked Questions

What is pre-settlement financing?
Pre-settlement financing, also known as lawsuit funding, is an advance of anticipated settlement funds for personal injury plaintiffs who have a pending lawsuit.

Is presettlement funding a loan?
Presettlement financing plaintiff advances are distinguishable from loans and lines of credit, because they are ‘non-recourse’. This means if you are provided funding and do not win case, you do not pay back your advance. California Lawsuit Financing invests in the value of your case and assumes all risk that your case will be successfully resolved.

Is pre-settlement financing legal?
Yes. Presettlement funding is legal in California. California Lawsuit Financing is a licensed California corporation that carefully complies with all applicable laws. For more information, see ethics and legal opinion.

Will the defendant in my lawsuit know about my presettlement funding advance?
No. You, your personal injury lawyer, and California Lawsuit Financing are the only parties who will know about your presettlement financing cash advance.

Do I qualify for presettlement funding if I do not have a job or have bad credit?
Your employment status and credit history are not factors our underwriters look at in determining your eligibility for a California Lawsuit Financing presettlement cash advance.

How much money can I borrow?
California Lawsuit Financing offers presettlement funding in amounts between $500 and $500,000. Eligibility for larger amounts will depend on the merits of your case and your anticipated settlement.

Will I have to make monthly payments?
No. California Lawsuit Financing will be paid with a portion of your funds when your case is resolved, which means you do not have to pay until your case is settled.

What does it cost?
When your California Lawsuit Financing application has been approved, you will be provided with a clear and straightforward plaintiff funding fee schedule.

What types of cases qualify?
California Lawsuit Financing provides presettlement funding for all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims in California. See personal injury case types.

What happens if I lose my case?
If you lose your case, you will not owe California Lawsuit Financing anything.

How does presettlement funding help a plaintiff get a higher settlement?
Defendants and insurance companies almost always attempt to settle personal injury claims early by offering plaintiffs low dollar amounts that are much less than the actual value of the claim. If you need money now, a presettlement advance will let your lawyer take the additional time necessary to work on getting you the maximum settlement, while allowing you to meet your financial obligations immediately.

How do I apply for presettlement funding?
To get started, fill out our short application or contact California Lawsuit Financing at (800) 649-6098. Once your presettlement funding has been approved, California Lawsuit Financing will wire funds or issue you a check immediately. In the event you do not win your case, you do not have to repay your cash advance.