Managing settlement awards for victims of sexual abuse.

Abstract

Victims of sexual abuse are litigating. Among the most prominent defendants are schools, medical professionals, entertainment industry tycoons, politicians, coaches, and clergy. Often, if the case has value, a settlement can be reached, with plaintiffs taking their award as a one-time lump sum or as a structured settlement (a series of payments collected over a period of time). The decision to select a lump-sum payment or a structured settlement will depend upon many factors.