Updated on 3/26/2024
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Pennsylvania. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Pennsylvania
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Pennsylvania. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Pennsylvania residents
We recommend the following companies for plaintiffs residing in Pennsylvania.
Our pick for low rate lawsuit loans
USClaims offers some of the lowest, non-compounding rates in the industry. Many companies claim to offer “the lowest rates in the industry” – we recommend comparing them against an offer from USClaims to see for yourself.
Our pick for fast lawsuit settlement loans
Thrivest Link Legal Funding offers reasonable funding terms often with simple, non-compounding rates. Their expert underwriting allows them to fund larger sums than many of their competitors. They frequently approve claims for funding within 24 hours.
See our full list of recommended companies here.
Lawsuit funding laws, regulation, and relevant ethics opinions in Pennsylvania
Common law in PA illustrates that third party litigation funding is legal. Communications with a third-party funder are also protected by attorney-client privilege. Most lawsuit funding companies provide advances to PA residents.
Legal funding case law in Pennsylvania
After what they thought to be an inadequate award, a plaintiff sought litigation funding to pursue an appeal. The defendant filed a motion for summary judgement as a result of this financing. The court decided that the agreement to finance the appeal was champertous and therefore invalid.
Source: WFIC, LLC v. LaBarr et. al.
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Pennsylvania?
As stated in the Pennsylvania Bar Association, lawyers cannot grant funding to clients while representing them. Lawyers can advance court related costs, with contingent repayment based on the success of the case.
Source: Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.8(e)
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Pennsylvania?
Provided that an attorney explains certain advantages and disadvantages of the lawsuit loan and associated review process to a client, they may assist clients with lawsuit lending arrangements.
Source: Philadelphia Bar Association Opinion 99-8
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Pennsylvania
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Pennsylvania should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Pennsylvania’s Compass Website – Several Programs – COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s benefits portal, provides access to numerous state-sponsored programs, including medical assistance, food supplement programs, community-based services, and cash assistance options.
- PA Cash Assistance Program (TANF) – available through COMPASS, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash assistance program that supports low-income families, including pregnant women and households with dependent children. Qualifying families must have less than $1,000 in available resources.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – this program provides access to home energy bill assistance. Annual program grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on factors like utility bill amount and household size.