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What Happens If My Case Settles for Less Than Expected?
What Happens If My Case Settles for Less Than Expected?
Sep 29, 2025
Sep 29, 2025


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When applying for pre-settlement funding, plaintiffs often wonder: What if my case settles for less than anticipated? Will I still owe the full amount of the advance?
It’s a valid concern—and the answer depends on the type of funding agreement you choose. With non-recourse pre-settlement funding, like the kind offered by Instabridge, your repayment is tied directly to your settlement amount. If your case settles for less than expected, your repayment is adjusted accordingly.
This article explains how it works, why non-recourse protection matters, and how Instabridge ensures fairness in every case.
Understanding Non-Recourse Funding
Unlike traditional loans, pre-settlement funding is non-recourse. That means:
Repayment comes only from your settlement proceeds
You do not owe money out of pocket if your case is unsuccessful
If your settlement is smaller than projected, repayment is limited to a fair portion of your award
This structure protects plaintiffs from financial risk, even when cases don’t resolve as expected.
Example: Case Settles for Less
Imagine you received a $10,000 advance while your case was pending. Your attorney expected a $100,000 settlement, but the final amount was only $50,000 after negotiations.
With non-recourse funding:
Repayment would be capped at a fair percentage of your actual settlement
You would never owe more than the amount your settlement can support
You still walk away with money in your pocket, even after repayment and legal fees
Why Settlement Projections Change
Settlement values can shift during litigation due to:
Disputed liability or shared fault findings
Unexpected medical outcomes or reduced damages
Jury decisions or arbitration limits
Aggressive defense strategies by insurers
Because of these uncertainties, non-recourse protection is essential for plaintiffs.
How Instabridge Protects Plaintiffs
At Instabridge, we prioritize fairness and transparency:
Non-recourse only—you never owe out of pocket
Fair repayment—adjusted to reflect your actual settlement
Transparent terms—clear repayment scenarios explained before signing
Attorney collaboration—we work directly with your lawyer to ensure smooth repayment
Conclusion: No Risk, Even If the Settlement Changes
Lawsuits are unpredictable, but your financial stability doesn’t have to be. With pre-settlement funding from Instabridge, repayment is always tied to your settlement—protecting you if your case settles for less than expected.
If you’re considering funding but worried about settlement outcomes, contact Instabridge today. We’ll explain exactly how repayment works and ensure you’re fully protected.
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