When plaintiffs apply for pre-settlement funding, one of the first questions they have is: Will I be approved? Unlike traditional loans, approval for pre-settlement funding doesn’t depend on credit scores, income history, or collateral. Instead, it’s based almost entirely on the strength of your legal case.

This article breaks down the key approval criteria funding companies evaluate, explains why certain cases qualify more easily than others, and shows how Instabridge streamlines the process for faster decisions.

How Approval Works

Pre-settlement funding is a non-recourse cash advance. You only repay if your case results in a settlement or award, and if your case is lost, you owe nothing. Because of this, funding companies assume significant risk and must carefully evaluate whether your claim is likely to succeed.

The Top Criteria Funding Companies Consider

1. Type of Case

Certain case types are more commonly funded, including:

• Personal injury (car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries)

• Medical malpractice

• Product liability or defective medical devices

• Wrongful death

These claims typically have clearer liability and higher settlement values.

2. Liability and Fault

A strong case requires clear evidence of who is responsible. If liability is disputed or unclear, funders may hesitate until more information becomes available.

3. Damages and Case Value

Funding approval depends heavily on the potential settlement size. Companies look for:

• Documented medical bills

• Evidence of lost wages

• Future medical needs or long-term disability

• Pain and suffering damages

The higher the damages, the more likely you are to qualify for funding.

4. Attorney Involvement

Funders will not approve cases without attorney representation. Your lawyer provides essential documents and ensures repayment comes directly from the settlement. An experienced attorney also signals a stronger likelihood of success.

5. Case Progression

The stage of your lawsuit matters. Cases that have already been filed and are moving through discovery or negotiations are typically more attractive than very early-stage claims with limited documentation.

Why Some Applications Are Denied

Even valid cases may face denial if:

• Documentation is incomplete

• Liability is unclear

• Damages are too low to justify funding

• The attorney is unresponsive to requests

The good news? Many denials can be appealed once additional information is available.

How Instabridge Approaches Approvals

At Instabridge, we make the process fast and plaintiff-friendly by:

• Collaborating directly with attorneys for quick documentation

• Evaluating cases holistically instead of relying on rigid checklists

• Providing clear feedback if additional information is needed

• Approving most qualified applications within 24–48 hours

Our goal is to help plaintiffs secure funding without unnecessary delays or roadblocks.

Conclusion: Approval Depends on Your Case, Not Your Credit

Pre-settlement funding approval is determined by the strength and value of your case—not your credit score or income history. By understanding what funders look for and working with a transparent provider like Instabridge, plaintiffs can increase their chances of fast, successful approval.

If you’re considering pre-settlement funding and want to know whether your case qualifies, contact Instabridge today. We’ll review your situation quickly and provide the financial support you need while your lawsuit progresses.