Guide

Can Pre-Settlement Funding Be Used While Appealing a Verdict?

Can Pre-Settlement Funding Be Used While Appealing a Verdict?

Jan 12, 2026

Jan 12, 2026

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Winning a verdict should bring relief—but in many cases, it doesn’t bring immediate payment. When a defendant files an appeal, compensation can be delayed for months or even years. During this time, plaintiffs often continue facing medical costs, lost income, and everyday living expenses, with no access to the funds they’ve already been awarded.

Pre-settlement funding can still be available during the appeals process, providing critical financial support while the legal system runs its course. This article explains how funding works after a verdict, what changes during an appeal, and when funding may be an option.

Why Appeals Delay Compensation

After a verdict, defendants may appeal for several reasons, including:

  • Challenging liability findings

  • Disputing damages awarded

  • Alleging legal or procedural errors

  • Attempting to reduce or overturn the verdict

Appeals often involve lengthy briefing schedules, court reviews, and oral arguments. Even strong verdicts can take a long time to become final and payable.

Does an Appeal Cancel Pre-Settlement Funding?

No.
An appeal does not cancel existing pre-settlement funding or prevent new funding in appropriate cases.

Key points to understand:

  • Funding remains tied to the case outcome

  • Repayment is still required only if compensation is ultimately received

  • No payments are required during the appeal

  • If the verdict is overturned and no recovery occurs, no repayment is owed

Funding remains non-recourse, even during post-trial proceedings.

Can You Apply for Funding After a Verdict?

In many cases, yes—especially if:

  • Liability has already been established

  • A jury verdict has been awarded

  • Insurance coverage is confirmed

  • Your attorney confirms a strong likelihood of recovery

In fact, funding approval may be easier after a verdict, because risk is often lower than in pre-trial stages.

How Funding Helps Plaintiffs During Appeals

Appeals can be one of the most financially stressful phases of a case. Funding can help plaintiffs:

  • Continue medical treatment

  • Pay rent or mortgage

  • Cover utilities and daily living costs

  • Avoid debt or collections

  • Resist pressure to accept reduced post-verdict settlements

  • Maintain stability while the appeal is resolved

Insurance companies may offer discounted settlements during appeals—funding gives plaintiffs the ability to wait.

Important Differences Between Pre-Trial and Post-Verdict Funding

While funding remains non-recourse, post-verdict funding typically considers:

  • Size of the verdict

  • Strength of the appeal grounds

  • Insurance policy limits

  • Attorney assessment of appeal risk

  • Expected timeline for resolution

Funding amounts are carefully structured to protect the final recovery.

Why Responsible Funding Matters During Appeals

Because verdicts can be reduced or reversed, ethical funding providers must:

  • Evaluate appeal risk conservatively

  • Limit advances to safe amounts

  • Coordinate closely with the attorney

  • Protect the plaintiff’s long-term outcome

Instabridge prioritizes responsible funding decisions to avoid over-leveraging during uncertain post-trial phases.

Why Plaintiffs Trust Instabridge for Appeal-Stage Funding

Instabridge understands the complexities of post-verdict litigation. We offer:

  • Case re-evaluation after verdicts

  • Transparent, flat-rate pricing

  • Non-recourse protection

  • Attorney collaboration throughout appeals

  • Clear explanations of risk and timing

We help plaintiffs stay financially secure without compromising their award.

Conclusion: Appeals Don’t End the Need for Support

An appeal doesn’t erase a verdict—but it can delay justice. Pre-settlement funding from Instabridge helps plaintiffs stay stable while appeals are resolved, ensuring that financial pressure doesn’t undermine hard-earned legal victories.

If you’ve won a verdict and are facing an appeal, contact Instabridge today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you determine whether funding is available during this stage.

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Instabridge Funding provides fast, risk-free legal funding.