Blog

Structured Installment Sales: Unlocking Opportunity and Tax Efficiency Through Annuity-Funded Transactions

The Structured Installment Sale (SIS) has emerged as an innovative and practical solution for tax deferral and income security in the sale of appreciated assets—particularly in the business and real estate sectors. For sellers seeking to manage the tax impact of capital gains and create predictable future income, SIS transactions offer a unique blend of...

Fixing the Flaws: How the Structured Settlement Industry Can Protect Payees from Factoring Abuse

Introduction Structured settlements were created to protect vulnerable personal injury claimants by ensuring long-term, tax-free financial stability. Yet today, those same settlements are increasingly targeted by an aggressive and evolving secondary market. In 2024 alone, the structured settlement industry sold a record $9.5 billion in annuities, underscoring the growing size and significance of this market—and...

Independent Life Structured Settlements Annuities, Independent Life structured settlements

Introduction  In today’s climate of economic turbulence—characterized by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and volatility in both fixed income and equity markets —injured plaintiffs and their attorneys face immense pressure when deciding between cash only settlements and structured settlements. Recent headlines have amplified these anxieties: abrupt trade policies, inflation risks facing the Fed, and global instability have...

Jury Verdicts and the Evolving Role of Punitive Damages 

Introduction Historically rare, punitive damages are intended to punish egregious misconduct and deter future wrongdoing. Recently, however, jury verdicts—including both compensatory and punitive damages—have garnered significant public attention, indicating a possible shift in jury attitudes and expectations. Although punitive damages traditionally appear in only 2–5% of civil jury trials, recent verdicts suggest juries increasingly seek...

Independent Group Announces New Sales & Business Leadership

We’re thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Mikel Taft to Chief Business Development Officer and Courtney Barber to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. Since the inception of Independent Group, Courtney and Mikel have been the driving force behind sales and business development, shaping our collective growth, and strengthening our commitment to serving injury victims and their...

Settlement Nation featured in The National Law Review as one of the Best Law Podcasts

Settlement Nation, the dynamic and insightful podcast dedicated to trial law, has been featured in The National Law Review as one of the best legal podcasts, as voted by their community. This recognition highlights the podcast’s outstanding contributions to the legal community, through its engaging and educational content. Each episode of Settlement Nation dives deep into the...

A 2024 Summer Paralympic Primer

Introduction The 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place in Paris from August 28 to September 8 following the Olympic Games, will provide compelling and must-watch TV particularly for structured settlement and settlement professionals and our clients. Approximately 4,400 athletes from approximately 180 countries are expected to participate. NBCUniversal will provide extensive coverage to include...