Last week, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.75 percent--the third time this year. Another rate increase is expected. This means we’ll see mortgage and credit card rates move higher and stock market volatility continue. Not everything is bad news, however. There is a silver lining for personal injury claimants. Rising Rates. Ten-year bond
If you haven’t considered structuring your fee, take two minutes and watch this informative video. It’s time well spent. MetLife has come out with a new video about its Non-Qualified Assignment (NQA) annuity product that enables plaintiff attorneys to structure their contingency fees. NQA Highlights: Lower tax liability when compared to a lump sum payout
Anyone who owns investments tied to the stock market knows how brutal this year has been. The S&P 500 closed the first half of 2022 down nearly 21%. A high inflation rate, supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine all are contributing to the markets’ dismal showing. Safe from market gyrations are the stable
NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY 1 PERMIT DISABLED PERSONS TO KEEP MORE ASSETS WHILE STILL QUALIFYING FOR MEDI-CAL BENEFITS California's 2022 budget includes wording that dramatically increases the amount of assets a disabled person can retain and still be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage. Previously, California (as with all other states), would cap a disabled individual's assets
For the 46th year, the Black Women Lawyers Foundation (BWLF) will hold its scholarship fundraiser and awards luncheon. The date is Saturday, June 4 and will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Back in 1975 when the foundation began, there wasn't an organization that addressed the distinct needs of Black women lawyers or young
In November 2021, Medi-Cal issued a memo clarifying its position concerning Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) funds and whether they are countable as income and property when determining an individual's eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. Medivest, a provider of Medicare Secondary Payer compliance solutions to the workers’ compensation and general liability industries, recently prepared an overview of the
California's 2022 budget includes funding that will drastically increase the amount of assets a disabled person can retain and still be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Previously, California (as does all other states), would cap an individual's assets at $2,000 (not including a home or vehicle) to qualify for Medicaid coverage. As of July 1, 2022,
MetLife has just put together three case studies to help plaintiffs better determine whether structuring their non-qualified (taxable) settlement proceeds is right for them. Although there are many types of damage settlements that fall into the non-qual category, MetLife offers these case study examples...
California judges are becoming much stricter when it comes to how settlement funds are held and distributed in cases involving minors and incapacitated adults. Will Lindahl, executive director at CPT Institute and myself had the opportunity to write about the issue in the November/December issue of CAOC's Forum magazine.The article talks about three trust options
Most of us think the availability of a tax-free settlement option for injured parties began in the early 1980s. In fact, its roots go back to the Income Act of 1918. At that time, Congress stated that income resulting from "personal injury or illness" was exempt from taxation. 1979: Fast forward to 1979 when the
