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At SDM Law, we believe our clients should understand not only what their case may be worth but also how that recovery is delivered over time.
In New York medical malpractice cases, large verdicts—particularly those involving long-term injuries—are often governed by structured judgment rules. This means that part of the recovery, especially for future care, may be paid over time instead of in a single lump sum.
How Structured Payments Work
In most cases:
Past Damages
Medical Bills Already Incurred
Paid in a lump sum
Future damages
Long-Term Care, Therapy, or Future Suffering
Paid in scheduled payments over time
This structure is designed to ensure that funds intended for future needs are available when those needs arise.
A Real-World Example
Consider a birth injury case where a child requires lifelong medical care and a jury awards $10 million:
- A portion of the award is paid upfront to address immediate needs;
- The remaining amount is carefully structured into ongoing payments over many years.
These payments may:
- Provide regular funds for medical treatment and therapy;
- Increase over time to account for future needs;
- Include larger scheduled amounts at key stages of life.
This approach helps ensure that the child continues to receive consistent care and financial support well into the future.
Why This Matters for Your Family
Structured judgments are intended to provide long-term stability and protection, particularly in catastrophic injury cases. They help:
- Ensure funds are available for ongoing medical care;
- Reduce the risk of financial hardship later in life;
- Support long-term planning for both the injured individual and their family.
At the same time, understanding how payments are structured is critical, as it directly affects how and when compensation is received.
SDM Law’s Approach
At SDM Law, we take a strategic, client-centered approach to structured judgments. That means:
- Carefully evaluating how future damages will be paid;
- Working with trusted experts to plan for long-term needs;
- Ensuring that any recovery is not only substantial—but sustainable.
Because in these cases, the goal is not just recovery—it is security, stability, and dignity over a lifetime.
