Structured Settlements

Structured settlements look set to become increasingly common following a recent working party which recommended that they be more widely used and, in particular, that where cases involve children or patients, the court should not approve the settlement of a claim unless satisfied that a structured settlement has been considered. In addition, the costs of reasonable financial advice should be regarded as a cost of the litigation.

It is likely that, over time, the ‘lump sum’ settlement for major claims will cease to be used.