Waiting for a lawsuit settlement can be a daunting experience, especially for those involved in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
The financial strain during this period can be overwhelming, as bills pile up and income may be lost due to the inability to work.
Plaintiffs often face mounting expenses while awaiting a payout, which can take months or even years to resolve in court. This financial pressure can lead to stress and anxiety, making it difficult to focus on recovery and legal proceedings, which is why people need cash while waiting on a settlement.
The Problem: Need Cash Now While Waiting on a Settlement
The lengthy legal processes associated with civil lawsuits often leave plaintiffs in a precarious financial position. The costs of legal battles, including attorney fees and court costs, can quickly accumulate.
For those who have suffered personal injuries or are involved in medical malpractice claims, the situation is further exacerbated by lost income.
Meanwhile, essential bills—mortgage payments, utilities, and medical costs—don’t pause for litigation, creating a relentless cycle of financial stress.
The Solution: Pre-Settlement Funding Offers Fast, Risk-Free Cash
In this challenging context, pre-settlement funding emerges as a viable solution. This financial option provides plaintiffs with immediate access to a cash advance while they await the resolution of their legal cases.
What sets pre-settlement funding apart is its non-recourse structure—you only repay if you win your case, with repayment coming directly from the settlement proceeds. This dramatically reduces financial risk for plaintiffs during an already stressful and uncertain time.
Now that you understand how pre-settlement funding can help, let’s explore how it works, who qualifies, and what types of legal cases are eligible for this fast financial support.
How Can I Get Cash While Waiting on a Lawsuit Settlement?
Yes, you can get cash while waiting on a settlement by applying for pre-settlement funding. This legal cash advance allows plaintiffs to access money from their future settlement before the case is resolved.
Unlike traditional loans, this funding is non-recourse, meaning you only repay if you win your case. There’s no credit check, no income verification, and most approvals happen within 24 to 48 hours.
What Is Pre-Settlement Funding and How Does It Work?
Definition and Key Features
Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance provided to individuals involved in ongoing legal cases, such as personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuits.
Unlike traditional loans, pre-settlement funding:
- Is not based on your credit score or employment history
- Is approved based on the strength and expected value of your case
- Is a non-recourse debt (no repayment obligation if you lose)
Key Benefits of Pre-Settlement Funding
- Cash in as little as 24–48 hours
- No monthly payments
- Can be used for living costs, rent, groceries, and medical bills
Why Plaintiffs Seek Pre-Settlement Cash Advances
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Victims of car accidents, slip and falls, or other injuries often lose income and face major medical bills. Pre-settlement funding can help cover those costs while injured parties wait for compensation.
Medical Malpractice and Other High-Cost Legal Cases
Medical malpractice lawsuits often require extensive expert testimony, detailed medical records analysis, and prolonged legal proceedings. These factors can significantly delay court decisions and drive up legal costs.
For plaintiffs already dealing with serious health issues or ongoing treatment, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming, especially when income is reduced or lost.
Other complex case types like wrongful death, product liability, and nursing home abuse can carry similar financial strain, making pre-settlement funding a critical option for staying afloat during the legal process.
Common Qualifying Lawsuit Types for Legal Funding
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Product Liability
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Premises Liability
Eligibility and Application Process for Pre-Settlement Funding
Eligibility Criteria
- Have a legitimate claim for financial compensation against a liable party with the means to pay (e.g., an insurance company)
- Be represented by an attorney retained on a contingency fee basis (no-win, no-fee)
Pre-Settlement Funding Application Process
- Apply online or by phone
- The funding company contacts your attorney to request basic case details
- Underwriters assess your case
- If approved, funds are usually delivered within 24–48 hours
Top Questions About Pre-Settlement Funding
- Do I need good credit? → No, your credit score is not a factor
- Do I repay if I lose? → No, it’s non-recourse debt
- Can I apply without an attorney? → No, your attorney must be involved in order to qualify
Want to understand your attorney’s role in the funding process?
Read our guide: Can I Get Pre-Settlement Funding Without My Attorney’s Consent?
How to Choose a Trustworthy Pre-Settlement Funding Provider
Before choosing a pre-settlement funding company, it’s essential to evaluate key factors that can impact your experience, costs, and overall satisfaction. Here’s what to look for when comparing providers:
- Interest Rates: Are they simple or compounding?
- Financial Transparency: Are terms and fees clearly disclosed?
- Reputation: Look for verified reviews and complaints
- Customer Service: Does the provider work well with your attorney?
Not sure which legal funding companies you can trust?
Read our guide: How to Choose a Trustworthy Pre-Settlement Funding Company
Pro Tip: Ask your attorney or law firm if they recommend a specific legal funding company. If they regularly work with a preferred provider, applying through that funder is often the fastest and most hassle-free way to get approved for a cash advance while waiting on your settlement.
In many cases, your attorney can even apply on your behalf to help speed up the process.
Checklist for Choosing a Pre-Settlement Funding Provider
- Clear fee structure
- Positive client reviews
- Direct funding (not through a broker)
- Fast approval and disbursement
- Non-recourse terms clearly stated
Want to compare your options?
Read our guide: Best Legal Funding Companies in 2025
Exploring Alternatives to Pre-Settlement Funding
While pre-settlement funding can be a valuable solution, it’s not the only option available. Here are some alternative ways to manage your finances while waiting for your lawsuit to settle—each with its own pros and cons:
Personal Loans
If you have a strong credit history, a personal loan may offer fast access to cash while your case progresses at a lower rate.
- Pros: Fast approval if you have a good credit score
- Cons: Must repay regardless of lawsuit outcome
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for raising money during a legal battle, especially if you have a compelling story and a supportive personal network. It’s commonly used to cover costs like medical bills, rent, or daily living expenses while plaintiffs wait for a settlement.
Platforms such as GoFundMe, Fundly, or GiveSendGo make it easy to create a campaign and share it through social media. However, success is not guaranteed, and outcomes often depend on your ability to gain visibility and connect emotionally with potential donors.
If you choose this route, be transparent about your situation and update supporters as your case progresses.
Other Financial Relief Options While Waiting on a Settlement
If pre-settlement funding or loans aren’t the right fit, there are still other ways to get financial help while waiting for your case to settle. Local and federal assistance programs, such as SNAP (food stamps), emergency rent relief, and utility support, may provide immediate aid with no repayment required.
Other options include:
- Nonprofit organizations that offer one-time grants or emergency funds
- Faith-based groups or community centers with hardship support programs
- Family or friends who may be able to lend money informally without interest
These alternatives may provide short-term relief without the risks of traditional debt, helping you stay afloat while your legal case progresses.
Need more ways to stay afloat while your case is pending?
Read our guide: 15 Alternatives to Lawsuit Loans
Conclusion: Relieve Financial Stress While Waiting on a Settlement
Pre-settlement funding provides a fast, risk-free way to access cash while your lawsuit is still pending in court. Unlike traditional loans, it doesn’t depend on your credit score or income—and you only repay if you win.
By exploring your options, understanding key terms like non-recourse funding and interest rates, and choosing a transparent and reputable company, you can avoid financial hardship and give your attorney the time needed to fight for a fair settlement.
Don’t let money worries stand in your way—secure the support you need and stay focused on your recovery.
Need Cash While Waiting On a Settlement?
Don’t let financial stress slow down your case. With Express Legal Funding, you can get the cash you need in as little as 24 hours, with no credit checks, no monthly payments, and no repayment unless you win.
Get Risk-Free Pre-Settlement Funding Today
- Apply Online Now – Our simple, secure application takes just seconds to complete
- Apply by Phone – Call (888) 232-9223 to get personalized answers and a free case review
We’re here to help—call now or start your application online and take control of your financial future while your attorney focuses on winning your case. 👇
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Settlement Funding and Legal Cash Advances
What is a pre-settlement cash advance?
A pre-settlement cash advance is a type of non-recourse legal funding that gives plaintiffs early access to part of their expected lawsuit settlement. It’s not a traditional loan—approval is based on the strength of your case, not your credit or income. You only repay the advance if you win or settle your case.
Is pre-settlement funding a loan?
No, pre-settlement funding is not a loan. It’s a non-recourse cash advance, which means you only repay it if you win or settle your case. There are no monthly payments, no interest like a traditional loan, and no personal liability if you lose.
Can I get a cash advance while waiting for a lawsuit settlement?
Yes, you can get a cash advance through pre-settlement funding while waiting for your lawsuit to settle. This funding helps cover essential expenses like rent, food, and medical bills during the legal process.
How can I get settlement money fast?
You can get settlement money quickly by applying for pre-settlement funding during your lawsuit. Express Legal Funding offers a fast, risk-free cash advance based on your expected case value. Most approvals happen within 24 to 48 hours—no credit check, no monthly payments, and no repayment unless you win. This gives you financial breathing room while your attorney negotiates a fair settlement.
How fast can I get pre-settlement funding?
Most plaintiffs receive pre-settlement funding within 24 to 48 hours of approval. The speed depends on how quickly your attorney provides the required case documents to the funding company for review.
Apply for a Same-Day Pre-Settlement Loan
Do I need good credit to qualify for pre-settlement funding?
No, pre-settlement funding does not require a good credit score. Approval is based on your legal case, not your financial background, and there’s no credit inquiry or impact on your credit report.
Will pre-settlement funding affect my credit score?
No, pre-settlement funding has no impact on your credit score. There are no credit checks, no monthly payments, and your pre-settlement funding doesn’t appear on your credit report.
Learn more in our guide: Guaranteed Pre-settlement Funding: Eligibility & Approval.
What happens if I lose my case?
If you lose your case, you do not have to repay the pre-settlement funding. It is a non-recourse advance, meaning you owe nothing if your case does not result in a settlement or court award.
Do I need an attorney to get pre-settlement funding?
Yes, you must have a licensed attorney representing your case to qualify for pre-settlement funding. The funding company works directly with your attorney to evaluate your claim.
What types of cases qualify for pre-settlement funding?
Pre-settlement funding is typically available for civil lawsuits where compensation is sought. Common qualifying case types include:
- Personal Injury (e.g., car accidents, slip and falls)
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Product Liability
- Premises Liability
- Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
- Police Misconduct or Civil Rights Violations
- Employment Disputes (e.g., wrongful termination, workplace discrimination)
How much money can I get through pre-settlement funding?
Most legal funding companies provide between 10% and 20% of your estimated settlement value. The exact amount depends on the strength of your case, the stage of the legal process, and whether your attorney has confirmed key case details.
“Heroes in My Case” – A Client’s Experience with Express Legal Funding
“Five stars to these folks! They lent me the money I needed when I was in the worst financial shape of my life. Injured, out of work, and stuck waiting on my case—Express Legal Funding came through when no one else would. Heroes in my case!“
— Jonathan M., Florida
Citations:
Cornell Law School. (n.d.). Nonrecourse. Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/nonrecourse
