Updated on 3/26/2024
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Washington. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Washington
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Washington. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Washington residents
We recommend the following companies for plaintiffs residing in Washington.
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 Washington
Washington does not have any statutory law that directly impacts pre-settlement funding. Washington common law illustrates that pre-settlement funding is allowed in the state. Various cases including those that follow involving assignment of claims have made the court’s position clear. Unless a contract is contrary to public policy it would likely be upheld. Most companies provide funding to residents of WA.
Legal funding case law in Washington
Per Giambattista v. Nat’l Bank of Commerce – “champerty is the intermeddling of a stranger in the litigation of another, for profit, and maintenance is the financing of such intermeddling.” The court’s opinion in this case shows that so long as a third-party does not intermeddle in the litigation, they are not prohibited from financing it.
Source: Giambattista v. Nat’l Bank of Commerce
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Washington?
A lawyer may advance or guarantee litigation expenses on behalf of a client.
Source: Washington Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.8(e)
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Washington?
The Washington State Bar ethics committee indicated that rule 1.8(e) precludes a lawyer from lending money to a client. In the same opinion, the committee indicated that a lawyer may arrange financing for a client from a third-party.
Source: Washington State Bar Association Advisory Opinion: 1691
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Washington
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Washington should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Washington’s Apple Health (Medicaid) – Medicaid in Washington applies to low-income individuals in need of health care, including individual adults, seniors over age 65, pregnant individuals, and children.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Washington’s TANF program provides cash assistance based on family size and resource amount. Qualifying families must have available resources equal to or less to $6,000 and earn little to no income.
- Washington’s Basic Food Program – Basic Food is Washington’s SNAP program, providing resources to purchase food for qualifying low-income Washington residents.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – A federal government program, LIHEAP provides access to assistance for energy costs based on income level and household size.
- Housing Assistance (Emergency Rent Assistance, Affordable Housing, etc.) – housing assistance in Washington includes emergency cash assistance, help with utilities, rental discounts, and access to long-term care resources.