History of Structured Settlements

History of Structured Settlements

For many years, plaintiffs who won compensatory damages from a defendant received large lump-sum settlements. While the payouts helped recipients pay for medical expenses and other costs related to the legal settlement, many lacked the financial know-how required to skillfully manage large awards.

The Periodic Payment Settlement Act, passed by Congress in 1982, encouraged the use of structured settlements in physical injury cases, and provided legal incentives for their use by amending the federal tax code. It also stated that payments be offered in installments over time and exempt from federal, state and local income taxes.