Difference between revisions of "ICBC and Personal Injury Claims (12:XII)"

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Damages can be paid in a lump sum or through a structured settlement. A structured settlement is an arrangement where the damages to which a claimant is entitled are left under the control of the insurer. The insurer enters an annuity contract with the claimant and agrees to pay that claimant a certain income for a set period of time. Structured settlements are often recommended in infant cases and cases where the claimant has a mental disability or infirmity. In rare cases, a court imposes a structured settlement.  
Damages can be paid in a lump sum or through a structured settlement. A structured settlement is an arrangement where the damages to which a claimant is entitled are left under the control of the insurer. The insurer enters an annuity contract with the claimant and agrees to pay that claimant a certain income for a set period of time. Structured settlements are often recommended in infant cases and cases where the claimant has a mental disability or infirmity. In rare cases, a court imposes a structured settlement.  


Structured settlements are worth considering if the amount of the principal settlement exceeds $50,000 to $100,000. These arrangements offer  advantages for the claimant and the insurer. One advantage for the claimant is that the interest gained on that settlement is not taxable. The claimant therefore gets much more money than if he or she took the lump sum and invested it. Another advantage is that the claimant does not suddenly come into a large sum of money and run the risk of spending it foolishly. The advantage to the insurer is that the Corporation doesn’t have to pay out all of the money at once and is entitled to derive income from it.
Structured settlements are worth considering if the amount of the principal settlement exceeds $50,000 to $100,000. These arrangements offer  advantages for the claimant and the insurer. One advantage for the claimant is that the interest gained on that settlement is not taxable. The claimant, therefore, gets much more money than if he or she took the lump sum and invested it. Another advantage is that the claimant does not suddenly come into a large sum of money and run the risk of spending it foolishly. The advantage to the insurer is that the Corporation doesn’t have to pay out all of the money at once and is entitled to derive income from it.


Structured settlements can be set up through a number of licensed dealers in British Columbia. Various options are available. For example, the claimant could receive a lump sum every five years, an indexed monthly sum, a monthly sum that decreases over the years, or a monthly sum and periodic lump sum payments. Most dealers do not charge for providing projections of the various income streams and the costs associated with them.
Structured settlements can be set up through a number of licensed dealers in British Columbia. Various options are available. For example, the claimant could receive a lump sum every five years, an indexed monthly sum, a monthly sum that decreases over the years, or a monthly sum and periodic lump sum payments. Most dealers do not charge for providing projections of the various income streams and the costs associated with them.