NSSTA News and Media Resource Page Archives - The National Structured Settlements Trade Association

NSSTA News and Media Resource Page Archives

Posted	Title
12/6/2009	December 6, 2009: Senator Warns On Selling Structured Settlement Payments This holiday season, it may be tempting for someone receiving payments from a structured settlement to answer a TV ad pushing "cash now." But as U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin says in a new video released by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, this could be a bad move. U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (more)
11/18/2009	November 18, 2009: Rothstein Whistleblower: "At No Time" Did Anyone Mention Structured Se Miami attorney and real estate developer Alan Sakowitz met with attorney Scott Rothstein on three occasions during the summer to hear Rothstein pitch his business investment plan. After Rothstein refused to produce documents to substantiate his investment claims, Mr. Sakowitz, according to media reports, became suspicious that Rothstein was selling fabricated securities. Miami attorney and real estate developer Alan Sakowitz (more)
11/5/2009	November 5, 2009: Rothstein Rosenfeldt and the Facts About Structured Settlements Media reports this week concerning the abrupt dissolution of the Florida law firm of Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler have caused confusion about structured settlements. According to several published accounts, attorney Scott Rothstein defrauded investors by selling interests in what have been referred to as structured settlements. While the story is still unfolding, it is clear that whatever Rothstein may have sold (or pretended to have sold) to investors, it had little or nothing to do with structured settlements. Attorney Scott Rothstein (more)
11/4/2009	November 4, 2009: The Problem With Selling Structured Settlement Payments Structured settlements offer injury victims guaranteed tax-free income that's specifically tailored to the medical and living needs. So if you're a beneficiary of these payments, be careful about any offer to sell your future payment stream. Rep. Courtney and past president Chris Diamantis at the 2009 Annual (more)
10/15/2009	October 15, 2009: "I love it when my structured settlement person becomes active in mediations. For nearly an hour this morning, one of Nevada's most prominent defense attorneys described how defense attorneys can involve structured settlement consultants in their litigation strategy. Renowned Nevada defense attorney Steven Jaffe (more)
10/15/2009	October 15, 2009: "I'm truly a great believer in structured settlements" For Neil Galatz, former president of the Western Trial Lawyers Association, one of the keys to protecting his clients' long-term financial security is the lifetime structured settlement annuity. Former Nevada "Trial Lawyer of the Year" Neil Galatz (more)
10/15/2009	October 15, 2009: The Mayor, the Child & The Structured Settlement NSSTA's Fall Educational Conference began Thursday with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman welcoming the structured settlement industry to Las Vegas and describing his own experience with them. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman (more)
9/26/2009	September 26, 2009: Early Registration Deadline Looms for Las Vegas Meeting The Las Vegas Educational Conference begins on Wednesday, October 14 at the Mandalay Bay Resort on the Vegas Strip. As a reminder to NSSTA members, the deadline for your early registration discount is Monday, September 28. So don't delay! Former president of the Western Trial Lawyers Association Neil Galatz (more)
9/8/2009	September 8, 2009: Congressman Calls Structured Settlements an "Intelligent, Smart" Choice For U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, structured settlements are far more than just good federal policy. A former victim’s rights attorney, he frequently encouraged his clients to consider the benefits of a structured settlement. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney & Board member Larry Niemi (more)
8/14/2009	August 14, 2009: Attorney Steven Jaffe to Speak on Pre-Trial Negotiations & Structured Settlemen Prominent Las Vegas defense attorney Steven Jaffe will speak at the NSSTA Fall Education Conference in Las Vegas, the association announced today. A name partner with the law firm of Hall, Jaffe & Clayton in Las Vegas, Mr. Jaffe is a trial attorney specializing in civil litigation, primarily defending against tort lawsuits. He typically defends against premises liability lawsuits; negligent security cases; motor vehicle lawsuits, including automobile, trucking, and motorcycle claims; product liability lawsuits; matters involving complex and traumatic injuries; professional liability; and, matters involving punitive damages. Defense attorney Steven Jaffe (more)
7/31/2009	July 31, 2009: In New Video, Senator Says Structured Settlements Provide “Dignity & Peace of Min “Structured settlements are an innovative way to resolve disputes and they provide tax-free financial security, dignity and peace-of-mind for injury victims and wrongful death survivors. Structured settlements work and they should be protected.” So says Senator Richard Durbin (IL), Assistant Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate in a video released today by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. The four-minute video, which is based on the Senator’s speech at the 2009 NSSTA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, can be played in the NSSTA Videos and on the NSSTA channel on YouTube. U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (more)
7/24/2009	July 24, 2009: Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Receives Posthumous Congressional Honor The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation announced this week that it would rename its Washington, DC headquarters in honor of the late congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Rep. Tubbs Jones, who died August 20, 2008 from a ruptured brain aneurysm, was an outspoken supporter of structured settlements. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, R.I.P. (more)
7/22/2009	July 22, 2009: "Happiest Mayor in the Universe" To Speak at Regional Las Vegas Mayor and former defense attorney Oscar B. Goodman, the self-proclaimed “Happiest Mayor in the Universe,” will open the 2009 Fall Education Meeting of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, the association announced today. One of the nation’s premier criminal defense attorneys, Mayor Goodman has been named one of the “15 Best Trial Lawyers in America” by the National Law Journal. He also portrayed himself in the 1995 movie “Casino.” Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman (more)
7/13/2009	July 13, 2009: Video: Structured Settlements Are “Just Common Sense” In a new video, U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel calls structured settlements “just common sense” and adds, “[They] make sense in terms of compassion,” he adds and observes, “In the long run, [they’re] good for this great country of ours.” One of Congress’ leading advocates for consumer rights, Mr. Rangel spoke at the NSSTA Annual Meeting in May. His forceful address covered several areas including how federal tax policies can support sound financial strategies for accident survivors. The four-minute video released today is excerpted from Mr. Rangel’s speech. Chairman Rangel with NSSTA's Eric Vaughn at the 2006 Annual (more)
7/5/2009	July 5, 2009: Nevada “Trial Lawyer of the Year” to Speak at Vegas Meeting Neil G. Galatz, former president of the Western Trial Lawyers Association and the 2002 NTLA "Trial Lawyer of the Year", will speak at the NSSTA Fall Education Conference in Las Vegas, the association announced today. From 1980-82, he was co-chairman of the Plaintiffs Lead Counsel Committee for the litigation involving the 1980 MGM Hotel fire, the second deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history. He also was Chairman of the Hilton Hotel Fire Litigation and the Pepcon Plant Explosion Litigation. Nevada "Trial Lawyer of the Year" Neil Galatz (more)
6/8/2009	June 8, 2009: Mike Kelly To Be NSSTA’s Next President Mike Kelly, a 25-year veteran of the structured settlement industry and chairman of the NSSTA Branding Committee, will be the next president of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, the association announced today. Kelly’s one-year term begins in May 2010, when he succeeds Dan Durbin of Allstate. U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and incoming NSSTA president Mike Kelly (more)
6/4/2009	June 4, 2009: Moody’s Report: Life Insurers Likely to Maintain “Solid Balance Sheets” Even in a worsening economic climate, life insurance companies are likely to retain investment grade ratings according to a new report from Moody’s, as reported in The Wall Street Journal. This is important news for anyone settling a physical injury or wrongful death claim because many of these companies issue structured settlement annuities. (more)
5/30/2009	May 31, 2009: It’s Vegas, Baby! NSSTA Fall Educational Conference Set for October 14-16 The National Structured Settlements Trade Association announced today a new Fall Educational Conference scheduled for October 14 – 16 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. “Las Vegas is always a popular destination for our events and the competitive hotel rates and easy travel connections make it even more attractive,” said NSSTA President Dan Durbin. The Fall Meeting begins on October 14, 2009 (more)
5/11/2009	May 11, 2009: Betty Gregware, Dan Finn Elected to NSSTA Board The National Structured Settlements Trade Association announced today that long-time members Dan Finn and Betty Gregware have been elected to the association’s Board of Directors. They were elected to the Board by member vote at the recent NSSTA Annual in Washington, D.C. and their three-year terms begin immediately. New Board members Dan Finn and Betty Gregware (more)
5/4/2009	May 4, 2009: NSSTA Annual Attracts Congressional Leaders The structured settlement industry’s 2009 Annual Meeting concluded in Washington, D.C. on Friday with several Members of Congress pledging their support for structured settlements. Nearly 200 members of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association attended the meeting. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin: "I strongly support the tax code provisions that allow for structured settlements." (more)
4/28/2009	April 28, 2009: Structured Settlement Industry Salutes Cong. Langevin as “Legislator of the Year” The National Structured Settlements Trade Association opened its 2009 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., with an appearance by U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), one of Congress’ most outspoken supporters of the rights of people with disabilities. Langevin received the structured settlement industry’s "Legislator of the Year Award" for his commitment to protecting the ability of accident survivors to choose a structured settlement. U.S. Congressman James Langevin with NSSTA Board member Jim Early, who helped Congressman Langevin with his structured settlement after a 1980 accident (more)
4/27/2009	April 27, 2009: VIDEO: U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek on Federal Law & Structured Settlements “People have come to my office… who have been a part of these schemes on Wall Street and have literally lost everything,” says U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek of Florida. “It’s really a sad situation.” In a brief new video issued by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, Rep. Meek describes why federal law encourages the use of structured settlements. “In these hard economic times,” he says, “Those that have a slip-and-fall or those that find themselves in a situation where they’ll never work again or will never be able to work again in their lives, they can’t afford to shoot and miss.” (more)
4/21/2009	April 21, 2009: Suze Orman On Structured Settlements & “the Smart Way to Pay Off Debt” One of America’s preeminent financial advisors has important advice for those benefiting from a structured settlement. “The periodic payments provide ongoing income and reduce the risk of blowing a lump sum through poor financial choices,” she writes in a new column on Oprah.com. And now her warning: “In many states, you can sell your rights to periodic payments to a company that will pay you a lump sum today. Doing so, I realize, is tempting, but it's typically not smart.” Financial expert Suze Orman (more)
4/13/2009	April 13, 2009: U.S. Rep. Langevin in Magazine Article on Structured Settlements, Disability Rights For U.S. Representative James Langevin, the cause of disability rights, including support for structured settlements, is more than just a political issue. Nearly thirty years ago, a shooting accident left him paralyzed, an accident that gave him a lasting commitment to champion the rights of Americans with disabilities. “[W]hen the larger economy is struggling, people living and working with disabilities are more acutely affected,” he says. (more)
3/20/2009	Mar. 20, 2009: The Importance of Structured Settlements in Settlement Planning Belated kudos to NSSTA member Tacker LeCarpentier for a perceptive article in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly on "sound, diversified settlement planning" and the crucial role of structured settlements, especially in cases involving minors, incompetents and the severely disabled. As LeCarpentier notes, accident survivors are living longer and this increases the chance of outliving the financial resources they receive after an accident. NSSTA Member Tacker LeCarpentier (more)
3/5/2009	Mar. 5, 2009: Structured Settlement Industry Shows Support for Disability Rights On March 5, the structured settlement industry turned out in force to support the economic and legal rights of people with disabilities. The occasion was the 2009 Leadership Gala of the American Association of People with Disabilities. AAPD is the nation’s leading nonprofit advocate for America’s 54 million Americans with disabilities. Founded in 1995, the organization has become the leading voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). "CSI" actor Robert David Hall with Ilana Hanau and Eric Vaughn (more)
2/24/2009	Feb. 24, 2009: U.S. Sen. Grassley to Headline Annual Meeting U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking Republican member of the Senate Committee on Finance, will keynote the opening session of the 2009 NSSTA Annual Meeting & Conference, the association announced today. Senator Grassley, a long-time supporter of structured settlements, serves on the Senate Committee on Finance, which oversees the federal tax code. In addition to tax matters, the Finance Committee also oversees Security, Medicare, Medicaid, social services, and unemployment compensation. Former NSSTA President Jeff Bowers, disability advocate Nancy Starnes and Sen. Charles Grassley (more)
2/22/2009	Feb. 22, 2009: “Una Solución Estructurada” – Libre! As part of its ongoing effort to provide FREE information about structured settlements to Spanish-speakers, the NSSTA today posted a translation of “Best Lawyer in America” attorney Janet Fields’ article, A Structured Solution. An expert in mediation, Ms. Fields’ article describes the benefits that structured settlement consultants bring to mediation. Janet Fields (more)
2/10/2009	Feb 10, 2009: Detroit TV News: Structured Settlements “Keep Coming, Tax Free, Every Month for Years” Television viewers in Detroit saw a powerful news report last night on the benefits of structured settlements. WXYZ-TV consumer advocate Bill Spencer began his segment with a profile of World Trade Center victim Yvette Anderson, whose family was offered a structured settlement. He followed with a strong endorsement of the long-term financial security of structures. WXYZ-TV consumer advocate Bill Spencer (more)
2/2/2009	Feb. 2, 2009: VIDEO: Structured Settlement Consultants “An Important Part” of Mediation Structured settlement consultants “walk the tightrope of neutrality” in mediations and therefore “really are an important part of the process”, says retired California Superior Court Judge Richard Gilbert in a video released today by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. Gilbert was a Superior Court Judge from 1983 to 1991, during which he served three terms as Presiding Judge. For the past 15 years, he has been an expert in alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and mediator in Sacramento. Judge Richard Gilbert (right) and incoming NSSTA President Dan Durbin (more)
1/29/2009	Jan. 29, 2009: Disability Advocate: Congress Should Remember “What’s Worked” with Structured... Jan. 29, 2009: Disability Advocate: Congress Should Remember “What’s Worked” with Structured Settlements The lessons of structured settlements are directly applicable to other Federal programs that benefit people with disabilities, according to one of America’s leading disability rights advocates. Andrew Imparato, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, kicked off the 2009 NSSTA Winter Regional with a speech describing the modern-day needs of millions of people with disabilities and how outdated federal guidelines interfere with these needs. Incoming NSSTA President Dan Durbin & Andrew Imparato of the American Association of People with Disabilities (more)
1/23/2009	Jan. 23, 2009: “100 Best” Lawyer Speaks Out on Structured Settlements & Mediation" For attorney and mediator Janet Rubin Fields, the importance of physical injury and wrongful death mediations last far beyond the actual discussions. In a new article, she advises accident survivors, “The decisions you make today, especially if your injuries are severe, may be the difference between financial security and instability, as you get older.” Voted one of the “Best Lawyers in America 2009” for alternative dispute resolution, Ms. Fields describes mediations and the role of structured settlements in an article for the current Spinal Cord Injury Life, a publication of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association. California Mediator Janet Rubin Fields (more)
1/14/2009	Jan. 14, 2009: VIDEO: Brain Injury Cases & The Benefits of Structured Settlements Brain injury cases are well-known in the legal profession for being among the most complex litigations to resolve. Few understand the stakes better than California “Super Lawyer” and brain injury expert Erik Peterson. A pre-trial advisor to the San Francisco Bar Association, Peterson discusses structured settlements and brain injury compensation in a new NSSTA-sponsored video called “The Smart Thing To Do.” California “Super Lawyer” and brain injury expert Erik Peterson (more)
1/11/2009	Jan. 11, 2009: Congressman Kendrick Meek to Keynote NSSTA Regional U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek will keynote NSSTA’s Winter Regional Meeting in Orlando, the association announced today. First elected to public office at the age of 27, Congressman Meek is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over virtually every aspect of federal government activity, including the federal tax code. Structured settlements are “a smart choice to protect financial security,” says U.S. Congressman Kendrick Meek (more)
1/9/2009	Jan. 9, 2009: FORTUNE Magazine Weighs in on Annuity Security If today’s economic uncertainty proves anything, it is this: To ensure long-term financial health, security matters. During the past year, many supposedly secure investments have been buffeted – or worse – by the economic downturn. But one clear exception is the stream of structured settlement payments that supports tens of thousands of injury survivors and wrongful death dependents. Roger Sevigny, president of the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners (more)
12/13/2008	Dec 13, 2008: Longtime Structured Settlement Supporter Sen Tom Daschle to Lead Health Human Services On December 11, 2008, President-Elect Barack Obama named former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to be his administration’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. During more than two decades in the U.S. House and Senate, Daschle was a vocal supporter for disability rights, including the right of physical injury victims to choose a structured settlement. In the Senate, Tom Daschle was a staunch structured settlement supporter (more)
11/17/2008	Nov. 17, 2008: Supplemental Needs Trusts: Is There a Hidden Medicaid Lien? In November 2006, attorney and NSSTA member Jay Sangerman, Esq. wrote an important article for the New York Law Journal about Medicaid and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Arkansas Department of Heath and Human Services v. Ahlborn. Entitled, “Ahlborn and Supplemental Needs Trusts: Is There a Hidden Medicaid Lien?,” Sangerman analyzed the Supreme Court’s decision that, he wrote, “holds that Medicaid's lien for recovery against a personal injury/medical malpractice settlement and award is limited to that amount (or percentage) of the award allocated to compensate the plaintiff for past medical expenses….” Since then, the Third and the Second Departments have weighed in on the “hidden Medicaid lien” question. Now, Sangerman has published a follow-up analysis in the November 7, 2008 New York Law Journal. Attorney & NSSTA member Jay J. Sangerman (more)
11/10/2008	Nov. 10, 2008: Understanding Medicare Set-Asides, Structured Settlements & The New SCHIP Law Which of these statements is true about physical injury cases and Medicare? “The case will settle for less than $25,000 and, therefore, I don’t need to be concerned with Medicare.” “My client has not applied for SSDI and is not receiving Medicare benefits so there is no need for a Medicare Set-Aside.” “Resolving potential Medicare problems is the insurance company’s problem, and I have no responsibility for it.” “Actually, none of these statements is true,” writes Doug Brand, NSSTA Board member, in an article for The Gavel, a publication of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association. NSSTA member Doug Brand (more)
10/23/2008	Oct. 23, 2008: Incoming California Trial Lawyer President Opens NSSTA Regional For many injury victims, structured settlements are “a unique opportunity in these uncertain times,” said attorney Christopher Dolan as the NSSTA Regional Conference got underway in San Francisco. “You sell certainty and stability in a difficult environment,” he told NSSTA members. “Look at what the stock market has done during the past 10 years and compare it to what you offer.” Dolan is the incoming president of the Consumer Attorneys of California and has also been selected as the CAoC’s “Consumer Attorney of the Year.” He has been designated as a California “Super Lawyer” and listed as among the top lawyers in Northern California. Attorney Christopher Dolan (more)
10/15/2008	Oct. 15, 2008: NSSTA Issues Free Summary of Structured Settlement Security For those settling a physical injury or wrongful death lawsuit, the current financial uncertainty raises several urgent issues. What are the additional protections that a structured settlement has over a lump sum settlement? Why should plaintiffs who chose a structured settlement feel secure about the payments that will fund their future living and medical needs? To provide some insight into these and other issues, the National Structured Settlements Trade Association issued today a free hand-out, Structured Settlements: Financial Protection During Economic Crisis. “The primary goal of insurance regulation is to protect policyholders by ensuring that providers of insurance are solvent and able to pay claims....” NY Insurance Commissioner Eric Dinallo (more)
10/9/2008	Oct. 9, 2008: Special Needs & Structured Settlements: An Effective Match Today’s Wall Street Journal has a front page article in the Personal Journal section by Rachel Emma Silverman on special needs children and the financial strategies available to their parents and guardians. As the article notes, “[A] growing number of financial-services companies, lawyers and financial planners… are springing up to help parents provide for kids with disabilities, especially when parents are no longer alive to provide care.” According to The Arc, one of the nation’s leading disability rights advocates, a special needs trust can fund such things as out of pocket medical and dental expenses, rehabilitation, essential dietary needs and a personal care attendant. A special needs trust funded with a structured settlement is an ideal way to pay for an education. (more)
9/24/2008	Sept. 24, 2008: Coping After Airline Tragedy: A First-Person Perspective For Heidi Snow, the 1996 TWA Flight 800 disaster was more than a personal tragedy. It was the motivation to reach out to others who lost loved ones in airline tragedies. So that year, she founded AirCraft Casualty Emotional Support Services (ACCESS), a grief support network for victims and survivors of all air disasters On Thursday, October 23, Ms. Snow will speak at NSSTA’s Fall Regional about the financial and emotional challenges faced by those who lose loved ones in airline disasters. Heidi Snow, founder of AirCraft Casualty Emotional Support Services (ACCESS) (more)
9/12/2008	Sept. 12, 2008: Structured Settlements & Post-Settlement Trusts Often “The Best of All Possible... Sept. 12, 2008: Structured Settlements & Post-Settlement Trusts Often “The Best of All Possible Solutions,” Writes NSSTA’s Former President “Few fiduciaries know how to uncover all the layers of hidden fees, buried costs, and troublesome conflicts of interest that plague so many [investment] products.” So writes Henry Strong, NSSTA’s immediate past president, in an article for The Brief, a publication of the American Bar Association. Entitled “Fiduciary Focus: The Prudent Integration of Structured Settlements and Post-Settlement Trusts,” the article describes the increasing complexities of post-settlement financial planning and the investments that fund them. For settlement fiduciaries, the stakes are high. “Consumers are allowed to make unsound financial decisions,” Strong writes, “Fiduciaries are not.” (more)
8/27/2008	Aug. 27, 2008: NY Supreme Court: No “Rubber Stamp” for Structured Settlement Factoring This summer, the New York Supreme Court (Orange County) issued an important decision involving transfer of structured settlement payment rights. The Court held: "Judicial approval of these proposed sales should not be the equivalent of a rubber stamp. It was the legislature's intention to have the courts examine the various statutory criteria and determine whether the proposed sale would (1) truly serve the best interest of the selling payee and (2) whether the transaction is fair and reasonable. Thus, at the center of the [New York] Act's protection, is the Court's power to make an independent discretionary determination upon express findings. . . ." Supreme Court of New York, Orange County (more)
8/21/2008	Aug. 21, 2008: Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, R.I.P. On Wednesday, August 20, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a five term Member of Congress, Member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the House Ethics Committee died after suffering a brain hemorrhage. She was 58 years old. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones will be remembered not only for her many accomplishments but also as a pioneer. She was the youngest municipal judge to serve in the state of Ohio, the first African-American woman to serve on Ohio’s Court of Common Pleas, the first woman elected Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County, the first African American to serve as Chief Prosecutor in the history of the state of Ohio and the first African American women elected to Congress from Ohio. U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (more)
8/13/2008	Aug. 13, 2008: California “Trial Lawyer of the Year” to Speak at NSSTA Fall Regional Christopher Dolan, an experienced trial attorney with numerous multi-million dollar verdicts, will speak at the NSSTA Fall Regional, the association announced today. Dolan will speak on Thursday, October 23 and his speech is entitled, “To Structure or Not To Structure: Getting to Yes.” He will discuss the dynamics of settlement discussions and how the plaintiffs he represents often view the structured settlement option. “Our clients are faced with immeasurable hardships after suffering injuries or termination,” said Dolan. “We encourage them to consider a structured settlement as a way to restore stability and certainty to their lives.” "Trial Lawyer of the Year" Chris Dolan of the Dolan Law Firm (more)
8/7/2008	Aug. 7, 2008: Leading California Mediator Scheduled for Fall Regional One of Northern California’s leading alternative dispute resolution practitioners will speak at the Fall Regional, the NSSTA announced today. An experienced mediator and former judge, Judge Richard L. Gilbert’s practice includes large and complex personal injury, business, real estate, professional negligence, construction, and environmental matters. The title of his session is, "The Mediator's View: Resolving Difficult Cases and the Role for Structured Settlements" Former Superior Court Judge Richard Gilbert (more)
7/29/2008	July 29, 2008: San Francisco “Super Lawyer” To Speak at Fall Regional Determining financial compensation for birth-related injuries and other accidents involving minors is one of the most complex areas of tort law. On Friday, October 24, medical malpractice attorney Erik. L. Peterson will shed light on this issue, describing how he approaches these cases and the proper role for structured settlements. Peterson’s speech is entitled, “Birth Injuries and Children's Accidents: The Plaintiff Attorney's Considerations & The Role for Structured Settlements." Attorney Erik Peterson of Bostwick, Peterson & Mitchell (more)
7/21/2008	July 21, 2008: President-Elect Durbin: My Goal is to Continue Emphasis on Expanding NSSTA’s Value In June, the NSSTA Board elected Dan Durbin, CSSC of Allstate Life as NSSTA’s president for the 2009-2010 year. A Senior Sales Manager for Allstate Life, Dan has more than 25 years experience in the structured settlements industry. He began his structured settlement career in 1983 as a broker for Cambridge Galaher Settlements, and in 2001 joined Structured Financial Associates (SFA). In 2002, he joined Allstate Life, focusing on marketing structured settlements and developing the market for settlements of nonphysical injury cases including property sales that use the IRC Section 453 installment method. NSSTA's incoming president Dan Durbin with Becky Baldwin (more)
7/14/2008	July 14, 2008: NSSTA Unveils Videos Featuring "Trial Lawyer of the Century" Joe Jamail “Structured settlements protect the needy from the greedy.” So says attorney Joseph Jamail, voted “Trial Lawyer of the Century” by the California Trial Lawyers Association, in a new educational video for accident victims unveiled today by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. NSSTA also released a video geared toward trial lawyers and others who represent accident victims. Both videos were produced in conjunction with the Legal Broadbast Network and are available for streaming at www.NSSTA.com/Jamail. Joseph Jamail during taping NSSTA video taping session (more)
6/24/2008	June 24, 2008: Bestselling Financial Author: "Managing a Lump Sum Presents Challenges Over Time" “The biggest challenges [of managing a lawsuit settlement] are knowing how to invest the money and how much of it to use over time to make it last as long as desired. Structured settlements offer a potential solution to these difficulties.” So writes Eric Tyson, a nationally recognized personal finance writer for King Features Syndicate, in a recent column. Since 1994, Tyson has been the country's best-selling personal finance book author with five bestsellers, including Investing for Dummies and Personal Finance for Dummies. (more)
6/17/2008	June 17, 2008: Fortune Columnist Describes Problems of Predicting Life Expectancy How difficult is it to predict life expectancy? As Fortune senior editor Geoff Colvin describes in the magazine’s June 23 edition, the answer is "Very difficult indeed." Colvin, who writes Fortune’s “Value Driven” column, is known as one of the sharpest financial columnists around and his analysis of all the mind-numbing variables involved with projecting life expectancy is dead-on: Fortune columnist Geoff Colvin (more)
6/7/2008	June 7, 2008: Dan Durbin Elected Next NSSTA President Daniel Durbin, senior sales manager for Allstate Life Insurance, will be the next president of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, the NSSTA announced today. Durbin’s one-year term will begin in May 2009. “The structured settlement industry could not ask for a more dedicated person to lead the association than Dan Durbin,” said current NSSTA president Chris Diamantis in making the announcement. “Dan’s expertise makes him uniquely qualified to help the structured settlement industry take advantage of its current growth opportunities.” (more)
5/29/2008	Meet Joe Ricci, NSSTA’s New Executive Director, 5-29-08 Joseph Ricci, a 20-year veteran of association management and consulting, has formally taken over as NSSTA’s new executive director, NSSTA President Chris Diamantis announced today. (more)
5/1/2008	NSSTA Announces New Board Members, 5-1-08 Three longtime structured settlement professionals with more than 80 years combined experience have joined the Board of Directors of the NSSTA, the association announced today. Dan Durbin of Allstate Life Insurance (Northbrook, IL), Larry Niemi of Niemi & Associates (Chicago) and James Logan of James E Logan & Associates (West Bloomfield, MI) were elected to three year terms that end in 2011. NSSTA's new Board members (L-R): Larry Niemi, Jim Logan & Dan Durbin (more)
4/18/2008	NSSTA President Diamantis: "My Door is Always Open", 4-18-08 Chris Diamantis, a partner in Millennium Settlements, became NSSTA’s president this morning, accepting the gavel from past president Henry Strong and promising action on several issues important to the industry. Incoming president Chris Diamantis and immediate past president Henry Strong (more)
4/17/2008	NSSTA Annual Gets Underway with New Survey on Settlement Compensation, 4-17-08 More than 200 members of the structured settlement industry convened in La Jolla today for the industry’s annual conference. This year’s program featured sessions on actuarial pricing, an introduction to the role of the state guarantee fund and the unveiling of a NSSTA-sponsored education video featuring “trial lawyer of the century” Joseph Jamail. AIG American General voting member Bobby Steele with Cam Mears and Ilana Hanau (more)
4/15/2008	Folleto sobre Estrategias Financieras del NSSTA ya en español (NSSTA’s Financial Strategies... Folleto sobre Estrategias Financieras del NSSTA (Asociación Nacional del Gremio de Indemnizaciones Estructurados) ya en español, 4-15-08 NSSTA’s Financial Strategies Brochure Now In Spanish, 4-15-08 Cuando el NSSTA introdujo su folleto sobre Estrategias Financieras en enero del 2008, se convirtió en un éxito instantáneo. Los miembros pidieron más de 25,000 copias. Ahora el folleto esta disponible en Español –sin costo alguno en la página en idioma español de la página Web del NSSTA. When the NSSTA introduced its financial strategies brochure in January 2008, it became an instant success. Members ordered more than 25,000 copies. Now that brochure is available in Spanish – FREE on the Spanish-language page of NSSTA’s website. >>Para leer mas, haga un clic aqui. (more)
4/11/2008	NSSTA Announces Candidates for the Board, 4-11-08 Four leaders in the structured settlement industry will stand for election to the NSSTA Board of Directors at the association’s 2008 Annual Meeting, incoming president Chris Diamantis announced today. The election will be held at the NSSTA Annual Meeting in La Jolla, California on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Incoming NSSTA President Chris Diamantis and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (more)
4/10/2008	NSSTA Unveils Expanded Website to Promote Structured Settlements, 4-10-08 After months of preparation, the NSSTA today unveiled a multiple upgrades to its website that will provide members and the general public with easier access to vital information about the benefits of structured settlements. (more)
3/10/2008	West Virginia Legislature Approves New Protections for Selling Payment Rights, 3-10-08 On Friday, March 7, the West Virginia legislature gave final approval to a bill that amends the state law governing transfers of rights to receive future structured settlement payments. The bill now goes to Governor Joe Manchin for his signature. West Virginia State Rep. Ron Walters (more)
2/12/2008	Fitch Ratings Upgrades Structured Settlement Provider, 2-12-08 In a further testament to the safety and security of structured settlements for injury victims, Fitch Ratings has upgraded the financial strength rating of Aviva Life Insurance Company and Aviva Life & Annuity Company of New York to AA-. Combined with Aviva’s AM Best Rating of A+, the company now satisfies the “bright line test” under the Uniform Periodic Payment Of Judgments Act (UPPJA). (more)
2/4/2008	NSSTA Unveils Financial Strategies Brochure for Accident Victims, 2-4-08 For the injury victim or survivor in a wrongful death case, there is urgent need for an effective financial strategy and a structured settlement is often a crucial part of that preparation. This is the conclusion of a new, four-page brochure issued today by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. Disability rights expert and structured settlement beneficiary Megan O'Neill is on the cover of the new NSSTA brochure. (more)
1/18/2008	Structured Settlements Are the “Ultimate Safeguards” for Injury Victims, Says “Trial Lawyer of... (Structured Settlements Are the “Ultimate Safeguards” for Injury Victims, Says “Trial Lawyer of the Century”, 1-18-07) In a speech to a packed hall of physical injury experts Thursday, famed attorney Joseph Jamail urged his fellow plaintiff attorneys to increase their use of structured settlements. Jamail, widely recognized as America’s premier trial lawyer, called structured settlements “a helping hand” to protect accident victims’ long-term financial security. Attorney Joseph Jamail with NSSTA member Robin Young (more)
11/19/2007	"Trial Lawyer of the Century" to Headline Austin Regional, 11-19-07 When it comes to representing accident victims, no one comes close to Texas attorney Joe Jamail. His track record of courtroom successes during the last 55 years is legendary – and his support for structured settlements is firm. On January 17, 2008, Jamail (at left) will deliver the keynote address at the NSSTA Winter Regional Meeting where he will talk about structured settlements and tort law issues related to victims' compensation. (more)
11/6/2007	Moody's Financial Upgrades Structured Settlement Provider, 11-6-07 In a further testament to the safety and security of structured settlements for injury victims, Moody’s Investor Services has upgraded the financial strength rating of Manulife’s rated insurance subsidiaries, including John Hancock Life Insurance, to Aa1 from Aa2. This is the second highest rating afforded by Moody’s. (more)
11/1/2007	Structured Settlement President Named to "100 Most Powerful" in Insurance Industry, 11-1-07 Insurance Broadcasting, in conjunction with the Insurance Media Association, has announced that Henry Strong, president of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association, is on its annual “100 Most Powerful People” in the North American insurance industry. NSSTA president Henry Strong (more)
10/16/2007	Disability Leader Speaks Out on Structured Settlements, Job Issues, 10-16-07 America’s aging population means increasing numbers of citizens will have disabilities, said one of the nation’s leading disability rights advocates at the NSSTA Fall Regional. Andrew J. Imparato, president of the Americans Association of People with Disabilities, also outlined ways in which structured settlements could work in tandem with federal government benefits programs to protect the long-term financial security of injury victims and dependents. Andrew Imparato with NSSTA president Henry Strong (more)
10/12/2007	Structured Settlements Are "An Incredibly Valuable Resource" Says FL Trial Lawyer, 10-12-07 “Always remember that a lawsuit negotiation isn’t business for an injured person,” urged Web Brennan, immediate past president of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, in his speech at the NSSTA Regional today. In a wide-ranging speech, Mr. Brennan described his support for structured settlements and challenged the industry to improve its outreach to the plaintiff’s bar. FL trial attorney Web Brennan with Randy Gassman and Bill Matthews (more)
9/19/2007	Renowned Trial Attorney to Headline Tampa Regional, 9-19-07 Web Brennan, the immediate past president of the Florida Trial Lawyers Association, will speak at the NSSTA East Coast Regional Meeting, the association announced today. Mr. Brennan will discuss why he recommends structured settlements to injured clients and the qualities he looks for in a structured settlement consultant. (more)
8/22/2007	S&P Upgrades Structured Settlement Provider, 8-22-07 In a further testament to the safety and security of structured settlements for injury victims, Standard & Poor’s has upgraded the financial strength rating of New York Life Insurance Company to AAA. Standard & Poor’s also upgraded New York Life’s principal subsidiary, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, to AAA. New York Life is a major issuer of structured settlement annuity contracts that fund structured settlement payment streams. (more)
7/17/2007	America's First Structured Settlement?, 7-17-07 Even before the federal tax code encouraged injury victims to choose a structured settlement, some plaintiffs accepted long-term payments. So who was the first person to choose a structured settlement? Thanks to Radford University Professor Bill Kovarik (pictured here), we may be closer to the answer. (more)
7/3/2007	Structured Settlements Face New Challenges & Opportunities, Says Incoming NSSTA President, 7-3-07 On June 7, the NSSTA Board unanimously elected Chris Diamantis, a 15-year veteran of the structured settlement business, to be NSSTA's next president. His one-year term will begin in May 2008. To mark his election, Chris recently sat down for a brief interview on his goals for his term as president. (more)
4/3/2007	Union Officials Speak Out on Structured Settlements, 4-3-07 According to the general counsel and past president of the Communications Workers of America in San Diego, structured settlements can guarantee income for injury and accident victims in ways not possible with lump-sum settlements. Michael Rott, general counsel of the Communications Workers of America (San Diego) (more)
3/27/2007	Congressional Ethics Chair to Speak At Annual, 3-27-07 Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the chair of the U.S. House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (commonly called the Ethics Committee) is the latest speaker to sign on to the 2007 Annual, the NSSTA announced today. Congresswoman Jones is also a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, which oversees the federal tax code. (more)
3/23/2007	“Mr. Hockey” To Welcome Participants at Annual, 3-23-07 The most famous professional hockey player in history, dubbed “The King of Hockey,” Gordie Howe, will welcome NSSTA members to Toronto Annual during an evening reception at the Hockey Hall of Fame, the association announced today. Number 9 for the Detroit Red Wings, Howe led the team to four Stanley Cup Championships during his astounding 32-year career. (more)
3/6/2007	Disability Leader To Speak About Financial Needs of Accident Victims at Annual, 3-6-07 One of the most pressing issues for accident victims is successful financial management. Few people understand this better than Megan O’Neil, project manager for the World Institute on Disability’s “Access To Assets” program and a beneficiary of a structured settlement. Ms. O’Neil will speak about financial planning for accident victims at the 2007 Annual, the NSSTA announced today. (more)
1/25/2007	NM Gov. Richardson: Structured Settlements “Guarantee That Injured People Are Protected,” 1-26-07 (NM Gov. Bill Richardson: Structured Settlements “Guarantee That Injured People Are Protected”, 1-25-07) New Mexico Governor and presidential candidate Bill Richardson opened the 2007 NSSTA Regional Meeting on Thursday, welcoming the structured settlement industry to New Mexico and emphasizing his longtime support for people with disabilities. When he was in Congress, he told the audience, “I had the chance to work on a variety of disability issues. Structured settlements were part of the bipartisan effort to bring financial security to injury victims.” (more)
11/21/2006	NAIC Annuity Regulations Maintain Structured Settlements Annuity Protections, 11-21-06 Regulations recently adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners are not aimed at structured settlement annuities and maintain their existing protections, the NSSTA announced today. (more)
11/13/2006	Standard & Poor's Upgrades Structured Settlement Issuer, 11-13-06 In a further testament to the safety and security of structured settlements for injury victims, Standard & Poor’s has upgraded the financial strength rating of John Hancock Life Insurance, the insurance subsidiary of Manulife Financial, to AAA from AA+ . (more)
10/10/2006	NSSTA Announces Board Members, 10-10-06 Two experienced life insurance officials and a nationally recognized structured settlement consultant are the newest members of the NSSTA board of directors, the association announced today. The new members are Martha Hunt of The Hartford, Teri Triplett of Pacific Life & Annuity and James Logan of James E. Logan Associates. (New Board member Jim Logan) (more)
10/10/2006	Fall Regional Ends on High Note, 10-10-06 The NSSTA 2006 Fall Regional Meeting concluded with members hearing from U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, one of Congress’ most outspoken supporters of structured settlements. (Rep. Clay Shaw & board member Chris Diamantis) (more)
10/6/2006	Trial Attorney Nancy La Vista: “I recommend to every client that they structure”, 10-6-06 The 2006 NSSTA Fall Regional began with members hearing from one of Florida’s top trial attorneys, Nancy La Vista. Miss La Vista, a partner with the law firm of Lytel, Reiter, Clark, Fountain & Williams, opened the Regional with a detailed review of the role of structured settlements in physical injury litigation. (Attorney Nancy La Vista with NSSTA member Gerry Greger) (more)
9/12/2006	Structured Settlement Industry Submits Comments on Proposed Rule On Pennsylvania Structured Settl... (Structured Settlement Industry Submits Comments on Proposed Rule On Pennsylvania Structured Settlement Protection Act, 9-12-06) In February 2000, Pennsylvania enacted structured settlement protection legislation governing sales by injury victims of rights to receive future payments under structured settlements. Like the corresponding statutes that have been enacted in 45 other States, the Pennsylvania Structured Settlement Protection Act (“SSPA”) requires that any proposed transfer of payment rights under a structured settlement receive advance court approval based on a finding that an express finding that the transfer will be in the best interest of the injury victim and his or her dependents. (more)
9/4/2006	ATLA Governor Issues Strong Praise of Structured Settlements, 9-4-06 “Let a structured settlement minimize your worries,” writes Maria Diamond, past president of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and a Governor of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Her support for structured settlements appears in the current issue of the disability magazine Action. (more)
8/3/2006	West Virginia Looks at Increasing Structured Settlement Use, 8-3-06 On Wednesday, August 2, several senior officials with the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner’s office and the state’s Workers Compensation Transition Team met with representatives of structured settlement industry to discuss incorporating structured settlements to resolve workers compensation claims. (more)
7/23/2006	NSSTA Briefs State Legislators, 7-23-06 On July 21, NSSTA Executive Vice President Randy Dyer briefed members of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators' Workers' Compensation Insurance Committee on federal and state consumer protection laws governing transfers, often called "factoring," of payment rights under structured settlements. (more)
6/30/2006	Alabama Structured Settlement Protection Act Takes Effect, 6-30-06 On July 1, 2006, a new state consumer protection law governing the sale of structured settlement payments by injury victims goes into effect in Alabama. The state is the 46th to enact a structured settlement protection act. Governor Robert Riley signed the act on April 27. (more)
6/20/2006	Indiana Appeals Court Upholds Workers Comp Protection, 6-20-06 On May 30, 2006, the Indiana Court of Appeals confirmed that payment rights under workers' compensation settlements cannot be assigned in violation of the underlying workers' compensation laws. (more)
6/19/2006	Rep. Jim Langevin Speaks on Structured Settlements, Economic Growth, 6-19-06 Some Members of Congress support structured settlements because the tax-free payments benefit a friend or family member. For U.S. Rep. James Langevin, there’s a more personal reason. (more)
5/23/2006	NSSTA Announces New Board Members, 5-23-06 Two experienced structured settlement brokers and the associate general counsel of a major life insurance company are the newest members of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association's Board of Directors. Chris Diamantis, Paul Hoffman and Andy McLean were elected to three-year terms by NSSTA's voting members. (more)
5/11/2006	Structured Settlements Are “The Best Deal in Town” for Injury Victims, Says Incoming NSSTA President (Structured Settlements Are “The Best Deal in Town” for Injury Victims, Says Incoming NSSTA President, 5-11-06) On May 10, the NSSTA Board unanimously elected Henry Strong, a 20-year veteran of the structured settlement business, to be NSSTA’s next president. His one-year term will begin in April 2007. (more)
3/3/2006	Social Security Reaffirms Role of Structured Settlements in Special Needs Trusts, 3-3-06 The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reaffirmed the role for structured settlements when injury victims set up special needs trusts after their accident, the NSSTA announced today. (more)
1/30/2006	Defense Attorneys Cite Benefits of Negotiating With Structured Settlements, 1-30-06 Writing in the nation's leading magazine for defense counsel, two prominent product liability attorneys lay out the case for incorporating structured settlements into litigation negotiations. "It is increasingly important to act on the potential appeal that structured annuity payments have for injured plaintiffs," write James Yukevich and Alexander Calfo in "For The Defense." (more)
7/27/2005	“Trial Lawyer of the Year” Describes Benefits of Structured Settlements, 7-27-05 The flexibility provided by structured settlements are "vital to those who have been in a serious accident," writes Raymond Boucher in the current issue of Orbit Magazine. In the article, Boucher, who was voted Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1994 by Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, describes why he is a long-time supporter of structured settlements for injury victims. (more)
6/1/2005	Top Reinsurance Officer: Accident Victims, Plaintiff Attorneys “Increasingly Receptive to Structu... (Top Reinsurance Officer: Accident Victims, Plaintiff Attorneys "Increasingly Receptive to Structured Annuities", 6-1-05) Writing in the current issue of Claims magazine, a high-ranking U.S. reinsurance official describes how structured settlements can bring faster closure of claims, lower administrative costs, and savings on legal bills. Raymond Blanchfield, claims director for American Re-Insurance Corporation, calls structured settlements a "viable settlement option" for claims professionals. (more)
5/16/2005	J.P. Steele Elected Next NSSTA President, 5-16-05 J.P. Steele, the senior vice president of structured settlements at AIG/American General since 2001, has been elected president of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association, the association announced today. Steele's term will begin in May 2006 and continue for one year. (more)
5/12/2005	California Senate Postpones Hearing on Bill Promoting “Cash Only” Settlements, 5-12-05 For the second time in less than a month, a committee of the California State Senate has postponed hearings on a bill that would deny accident victims the opportunity to settle their lawsuits with tax-free structured settlements. On May 3, 2005, the Judiciary Committee of the California Senate was to hold a hearing on SB 410, which would establish new regulations on lawsuit negotiations. (more)
1/23/2005	Structured Settlements Help Avoid Financial “Tragedy,” Says Incoming Southern Trial Lawyer, 1-23-05 On Thursday, January 27, Fayrell Furr of the law firm of Furr, Henshaw, & Ohanesian will deliver the keynote speech at the NSSTA Regional Meeting in Charleston. Mr. Furr, the incoming president of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, recently sat down for a wideranging interview concerning the American legal system and structured settlements. Registration is still open for the Regional Meeting, which begins Wednesday, January 26 and continues until noon on Friday the 28th. (more)
1/1/1900	Defense Attorney Thomas Woodrow Article in Claims Quarterly on Claims “How To” Guide to Use Struc... (Defense Attorney Thomas Woodrow Article in Claims Quarterly on Claims "How To" Guide to Use Structured Settlements, 2-7-05) Structured settlements are an excellent way for claims professionals to settle difficult physical injury and wrongful death settlements, writes Thomas R. Woodrow in the current Claims Quarterly. (more)
1/1/1900	Structured Settlements Give Injured “A New Chance at Life,” says NSSTA President Jeff Bowers (Structured Settlements Give Injured “A New Chance at Life,” says NSSTA President Jeff Bowers, 4-19-05) Incoming president Jeff Bowers began his term by urging greater member involvement in the NSSTA to spur industry growth. In a speech to more than 200 structured settlement professionals at the NSSTA Annual Meeting, Bowers declared, "Regardless of what you do in this industry, if you are serious about trying to build the structured settlement marketplace, then I welcome your leadership." (more)

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