FAQ
General Pre-Settlement Funding Questions
If you have questions about pre-settlement funding, you are in the right place. At ECO Pre-Settlement Funding, we have been helping injured plaintiffs get the financial support they need since 2010. Over the years, we have heard every question imaginable from plaintiffs, families, and attorneys. We put every one of those questions and answers right here on this page. No fluff. No runaround. Just straight answers so you can make the best decision for your situation.
What is pre-settlement funding?
Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance against your pending lawsuit. You receive money now and repay it from your settlement proceeds when your case resolves. If your case does not pay out, you owe nothing. It is that simple.
Is pre-settlement funding a loan?
Technically, no. Pre-settlement funding is a non-recourse cash advance, not a traditional loan. A traditional loan must be repaid regardless of outcome. Our funding is repaid only if you win or settle your case. If you lose, you keep the money and owe us nothing.
What does non-recourse mean?
Non-recourse means we have no recourse against you personally if your case does not succeed. Our only repayment source is your settlement. We cannot come after your bank account, your property, or your wages if your case loses.
How is pre-settlement funding different from a bank loan?
Bank loans require credit checks, employment verification, monthly payments, and repayment regardless of what happens in your life. Our funding requires none of those things. We look at your case, not your finances. And you only repay if you win.
How long has ECO been providing pre-settlement funding?
ECO Pre-Settlement Funding has been helping injured plaintiffs since 2010. We have worked with thousands of clients across the country over that time.
Is pre-settlement funding legal?
Yes. Pre-settlement funding is legal in most states across the country. Some states have specific regulations governing how funding companies operate. ECO complies with all applicable laws and regulations in every state where we do business.
Will pre-settlement funding affect my credit score?
No. We do not check your credit and our funding does not appear on your credit report. Your credit score is completely unaffected by applying for or receiving pre-settlement funding from ECO.
Eligibility Questions
Who qualifies for pre-settlement funding?
To qualify, you generally need two things. A pending personal injury or civil rights lawsuit with clear liability. And an attorney actively representing you on that case. We look at the strength of your case, not your personal financial history.
Do I need to be employed to qualify?
No. Employment status has no bearing on your eligibility. Many of our clients are unable to work because of their injuries. That is one of the main reasons they need funding in the first place.
Does my credit score affect my eligibility?
No. We do not run credit checks. Your credit history is completely irrelevant to our funding decision.
What types of cases does ECO fund?
We fund a wide range of personal injury and civil rights cases including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Bus and rideshare accidents
- Slip and fall and premises liability cases
- Workplace and workers compensation cases
- Medical malpractice lawsuits
- Sexual abuse and institutional abuse claims
- Police brutality and civil rights cases
- Wrongful death claims
- Product liability cases
- Dog bite and animal attack cases
If your case type is not listed here, call us at 800-961-8924 and we will tell you directly whether we can help.
Can I get funding if my case is still in early stages?
Yes. Cases do not need to be in advanced stages to qualify. As long as you have an attorney, a filed claim, and clear liability, we can often provide funding even in the early stages of your lawsuit.
Can I get funding if my workers compensation claim is being disputed?
Possibly. Disputed claims may still qualify depending on the overall strength of your case. Call us to discuss your specific situation and we will review it with your attorney.
Can I get funding for a wrongful death case?
Yes. Wrongful death cases qualify for pre-settlement funding. Immediate family members who are legal claimants in a wrongful death lawsuit may apply through their attorney.
Can I apply if I have already received a settlement offer?
Yes. If your case has not yet settled and your attorney is still negotiating, you may still qualify for funding. Call us to discuss where your case stands.
Application and Process Questions
How do I apply for pre-settlement funding?
You can apply in two ways. Call us directly at 800-961-8924 or submit an online application through our website. The process takes just a few minutes and requires no paperwork from you.
What information do I need to apply?
You need very little to get started. Your name and contact information. Your attorney’s name and contact information. A brief description of your case type. That is essentially it. We handle the rest directly with your attorney.
Do I need to gather medical records or legal documents to apply?
No. You do not need to gather anything. Once you apply, our team contacts your attorney directly to obtain the case information we need to make a funding decision.
How long does the approval process take?
Most applicants receive a funding decision within 24 hours of our team speaking with their attorney. In some cases involving more complex litigation, the review may take slightly longer.
How quickly do I receive my money after approval?
Once approved, most clients receive funds the same day or the very next business day. We move quickly because we understand your financial needs are urgent.
How is the money sent to me?
We send funds directly to you via wire transfer or check depending on your preference. We confirm the delivery method with you during the approval process.
Can I apply more than once on the same case?
Yes. If you have already received funding from ECO on your current case and need additional support, you may apply for a second advance. Additional funding is subject to the remaining expected value of your case and your attorney’s input.
What if my attorney is hard to reach?
Will that delay my funding? We make every effort to contact your attorney promptly and efficiently. If there are communication delays on their end, it can slow the process slightly. We recommend letting your attorney know you have applied so they can expect our outreach.
Cost and Repayment Questions
How much does pre-settlement funding cost?
Our funding involves a fee that accrues over time based on the amount advanced and the duration of your case. We explain all costs clearly and in plain language before you sign anything. There are no hidden fees and no surprise charges.
Are there any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs?
None. There are absolutely no upfront fees, application fees, or out-of-pocket costs of any kind. You pay nothing to apply. You pay nothing to receive your funds. Repayment comes only from your settlement if your case succeeds.
When do I repay ECO?
Repayment happens at the conclusion of your case if it pays out. Your attorney handles the repayment directly from your settlement proceeds. You do not need to write a check or make any payments while your case is ongoing.
What happens if my case takes longer than expected?
Your case timeline does not change your obligation to us. You repay only when your case resolves and only if it pays out. There are no deadlines, no due dates, and no penalties for cases that take longer than anticipated.
What happens if I lose my case?
If your case does not pay out, you owe us nothing. Zero. Our funding is fully non-recourse. We absorb the loss, not you.
What if my settlement is less than expected?
If your case settles for less than originally anticipated, repayment is handled based on the actual settlement amount in coordination with your attorney. We work with your legal team to ensure the repayment is handled appropriately given the outcome.
Does ECO take a percentage of my settlement?
No. ECO is repaid a specific amount based on what was advanced plus applicable fees, not an open-ended percentage of your total settlement. Your attorney reviews all repayment terms before any funds are disbursed at settlement.
Are there prepayment penalties if my case settles early?
No. There are no prepayment penalties. If your case settles faster than expected, you simply repay the outstanding amount at that time with no additional charges for early resolution.
Attorney-Related Questions
Does my attorney need to approve the funding?
Your attorney does not need to formally approve your application, but we do work directly with them throughout the process. We contact your attorney to review case details and we require their cooperation to move forward. Most attorneys are familiar with pre-settlement funding and have no objection to clients seeking it.
Will ECO interfere with my attorney’s legal strategy?
Absolutely not. ECO has no involvement in your case strategy, settlement negotiations, or legal decisions of any kind. We advance funds. Your attorney handles your case. The two are completely separate.
Does my attorney receive any compensation from ECO?
No. ECO does not pay attorneys, provide referral fees, or engage in any financial arrangement with legal representatives. Our relationship with your attorney is purely cooperative and professional.
What if my attorney advises against pre-settlement funding?
Some attorneys advise caution with pre-settlement funding because repayment reduces the net amount their client receives at settlement. That is a legitimate consideration worth discussing with your attorney. Ultimately the decision is yours. We encourage open communication between clients and their legal representatives.
Does ECO work with all types of attorneys?
Yes. We work with personal injury attorneys, civil rights attorneys, workers compensation attorneys, and other legal professionals across the country. If your attorney has questions about how our process works, we welcome a direct conversation with them at 800-961-8924.
Can my attorney apply on my behalf?
Your attorney can initiate the process by contacting us directly, but the funding agreement is between ECO and you as the plaintiff. Your attorney plays an important supporting role in the process but the application is yours to complete.
What information does ECO need from my attorney?
We typically ask your attorney to provide basic case details including the nature of the claim, liability assessment, estimated case value, insurance coverage information, and current case status. This is standard information that most attorneys can provide quickly.
Does my attorney need to approve the funding?
Your attorney does not need to formally approve your application, but we do work directly with them throughout the process. We contact your attorney to review case details and we require their cooperation to move forward. Most attorneys are familiar with pre-settlement funding and have no objection to clients seeking it.
Will ECO interfere with my attorney’s legal strategy?
Absolutely not. ECO has no involvement in your case strategy, settlement negotiations, or legal decisions of any kind. We advance funds. Your attorney handles your case. The two are completely separate.
Does my attorney receive any compensation from ECO?
No. ECO does not pay attorneys, provide referral fees, or engage in any financial arrangement with legal representatives. Our relationship with your attorney is purely cooperative and professional.
What if my attorney advises against pre-settlement funding?
Some attorneys advise caution with pre-settlement funding because repayment reduces the net amount their client receives at settlement. That is a legitimate consideration worth discussing with your attorney. Ultimately the decision is yours. We encourage open communication between clients and their legal representatives.
Does ECO work with all types of attorneys?
Yes. We work with personal injury attorneys, civil rights attorneys, workers compensation attorneys, and other legal professionals across the country. If your attorney has questions about how our process works, we welcome a direct conversation with them at 800-961-8924.
Can my attorney apply on my behalf?
Your attorney can initiate the process by contacting us directly, but the funding agreement is between ECO and you as the plaintiff. Your attorney plays an important supporting role in the process but the application is yours to complete.
What information does ECO need from my attorney?
We typically ask your attorney to provide basic case details including the nature of the claim, liability assessment, estimated case value, insurance coverage information, and current case status. This is standard information that most attorneys can provide quickly.
Case-Specific Questions
Can I get funding for a car accident case?
Yes. Car accident cases are among the most common cases we fund. If you have an attorney and clear liability, you likely qualify.
Can I get funding for a truck accident case?
Yes. Truck accident cases often involve significant damages and multiple liable parties. These cases frequently qualify for meaningful funding amounts.
Can I get funding for a medical malpractice case?
Yes. Medical malpractice cases are more complex and require more detailed review, but ECO has experience funding malpractice claims. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Can I get funding for a sexual abuse lawsuit?
Yes. ECO funds sexual abuse and institutional abuse claims with complete confidentiality and sensitivity. We work directly with your attorney and do not require you to share details of your experience with our team.
Can I get funding for a police brutality case?
Yes. Civil rights cases including police brutality and excessive force claims qualify for pre-settlement funding. These cases can take longer due to qualified immunity defenses and government defendant timelines, but ECO has experience evaluating them.
Can I get funding for a slip and fall case?
Yes. Premises liability and slip and fall cases qualify when liability is clear and an attorney is actively working on the claim.
Can I get funding for a wrongful death case?
Yes. Eligible family members who are legal claimants in a wrongful death lawsuit may apply for funding through their attorney.
Can I get funding for a workers compensation case?
Yes. ECO funds workers compensation claims and related third-party personal injury lawsuits connected to workplace injuries.
Can passengers in rideshare accidents get funding?
Yes. Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft vehicles are among the most common rideshare accident funding applicants. If you have an attorney and a pending claim, call us to apply.
State-Specific Questions
Is pre-settlement funding available in my state?
ECO provides funding to plaintiffs in most states across the country. Some states have specific regulations that affect how funding is structured. Call us at 800-961-8924 to confirm availability and terms in your specific state.
Do state laws affect how much I can receive?
State-specific factors including damage caps, comparative or contributory fault rules, and insurance requirements can affect the estimated value of your case and therefore the funding amount you qualify for. Your attorney is the best source of guidance on how your state’s laws apply to your specific claim.
Does Virginia’s contributory negligence rule affect my ability to get funding?
Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule makes liability more complex to establish than in most states. This can affect funding eligibility. If you have a Virginia case, call us to discuss the specifics with our team.
Does Texas tort reform affect pre-settlement funding amounts in Texas?
Texas has a complex tort reform environment that can affect case values, particularly in medical malpractice cases. Our team is experienced with Texas cases and can give you a clear assessment of your funding eligibility. Call us at 800-961-8924.
Privacy and Confidentiality Questions
Is my application information kept private?
Yes. ECO treats all application information with complete confidentiality. We share case details only with your attorney and handle all information according to strict privacy standards.
Does applying for funding affect my lawsuit record in any way?
No. Pre-settlement funding is a private financial arrangement between you and ECO. It does not appear in court records, does not affect your case file, and is not disclosed to opposing counsel unless you choose to disclose it.
Is my personal financial information shared with anyone?
No. We do not share your personal financial information with any third parties. Our communications are limited to what is necessary to process your application and coordinate with your attorney.
After Funding Questions
Can I use the funding for anything I need?
Yes. Once the funds are in your hands, you decide how to use them. We do not place restrictions on how you spend your advance. Most clients use it for medical bills, rent, utilities, groceries, and other essential living expenses.
What if I need more money after my initial funding?
You may apply for additional funding if your case is still pending and the remaining expected settlement value supports it. Contact us at 800-961-8924 to discuss a second advance on your case.
What happens to my funding if my attorney withdraws from my case?
If your attorney withdraws, your funding agreement remains in place. You will need to retain new legal representation to continue your case. Contact us as soon as possible if there is a change in your legal representation so we can update your case file accordingly.
What if my case goes to trial instead of settling?
Your funding remains in place regardless of whether your case settles or goes to trial. You repay from the verdict proceeds if you win at trial, just as you would from a negotiated settlement.
Does ECO contact me during my case?
We may reach out periodically to check on case status, particularly if your case is taking longer than initially anticipated. We keep communication professional and respectful of your time.
Contact and Get Started
How do I get started with ECO Pre-Settlement Funding?
Getting started is simple. Call us at 800-961-8924 or apply online through our website. The application takes just a few minutes. We handle everything else from there.
What are ECO’s hours of operation?
Call us at 800-961-8924 to reach our team. We are committed to responding to every inquiry as quickly as possible.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Call us directly at 800-961-8924. Our team is ready to answer any question you have about pre-settlement funding, your eligibility, or how our process works. There is no cost to call and no obligation to apply.
Ready to Apply?
You came here with questions. We hope we answered all of them.
If you are ready to take the next step, ECO Pre-Settlement Funding is ready to help. Apply today and find out how much you qualify for. There is no cost to apply, no obligation to accept, and no repayment if your case does not pay out.
Call 800-961-8924 now or apply online. Most applicants receive a funding decision within 24 hours.