Waters Ferris works NATIONALLY with Law firms, Settlement Professionals and their clients
Our professionals work with your team to navigate the complexities of government benefits for special needs individuals. We coordinate with structured settlement annuity providers on form of settlement choices, educate clients on the potential effect settlement choices have upon their benefits, provide special needs trust options and education, create life care plans, and provide ongoing case management and other related services. Reports are provided to memorialize discussions and educational sessions. We work with individual cases and have a wealth of experience with mass tort cases as well.
National Scope
Over a Decade of Experience Working with Special Needs Individuals
Able to Work with Law Firms & Clients in All States, Including Alaska and Hawaii
Individual Event Case Analysis and Reporting
Mass Tort Expertise and Reporting Capabilities
Life Care Planning Expert for Pre- and Post-Mediation Planning
In-House Case Management (Short-Term and Ongoing)
Understand the Value of Structured Settlement Annuities
Support Structure Brokers and Corporate Trustees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIoNS
TIMING: When does Waters Ferris become involved in a case?
At any time, from the time representation is secured up to the time an award or settlement is paid (or later, if a lump-sum settlement already has resulted in loss of needs-based government benefits). If a life care plan or value projections of benefits and cost of care is required, inclusion as early in the timeline as possible is warranted.
COMPETITION: Does Waters Ferris compete with law firms or settlement professionals?
No. We work cooperatively with attorneys and law firms, structured settlement annuity professionals, insurance companies, and other settlement support entities to help clients navigate through the settlement decision making process. Those professionals who include us on their team continue to: review and/or draft special needs trust documents (including pooled and private trusts) and perform needed estate planning; recommend and place annuities; and analyze and meet life insurance needs.
FEES: What is the fee schedule and who pays the fees?
Waters Ferris’ fee schedule is available upon request and is competitive with others in the industry. Customarily, our fees are a case expense passed through to the client. In specific instances, a law firm may hire Waters Ferris directly to work on an individual project, in which case fees are paid by the law firm.
FOLLOW THROUGH: What is the time span during which Waters Ferris is involved with a client?
Most often, involvement in a case begins during pre-mediation when a life care plan and future medical cost projections may be required. Our expertise continues to be helpful throughout mediation into form of settlement and government benefit protection discussions. Once the law firm, settlement professionals, and client determine the best form of settlement, if a trust is required, Waters Ferris remains involved to provide client education and facilitate the trust’s establishment. In some cases, our involvement extends through the trust’s administration.