Ms. Diamond's article provides five rules for injured plaintiffs who are concerned about protecting their future. She offers insights on hiring an attorney after an accident and how to project for future financial needs. Finally, she describes in detail why she suggests to her clients that they consider structured settlements.
What follows is an excerpt from her article:
"Large settlements bring out the worst in people. Con artists will use every trick to grab your money. Friends will pressure you. Even husbands and wives have been known to take their spouses to court to get some of their (or their child's) settlement.
"I've seen enough disgusting trickery by friends, neighbors and crooks trying to grab settlement money to last a lifetime.
"Given the problems of cash settlements, I often recommend placing some or all of the settlement in a secure annuity called a structured settlement. This annuity will provide a guaranteed stream of payments tailored to your specific needs. It can also be guaranteed for the rest of your life or the lives of both you and your spouse.
"Rehabilitation is demanding enough without the constant stress that comes with investing and monitoring your cash settlements. A structured settlement is a good solution."