Month: April 2026

By The Milestone Foundation Team 

At The Milestone Foundation, we work with many plaintiffs whose cases begin with a car accident. For them, the crash itself is only the beginning of the hardship. In the weeks and months that follow, they may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, missed paychecks, transportation issues, and uncertainty about the future. 

That financial pressure becomes even heavier when insurance claims are delayed, denied, or underpaid. 

A recent report highlighting claim denials in the auto insurance industry has sparked an important conversation about fairness, transparency, and accountability. While every claim is different and some denials may be legitimate, the broader concern is one we see every day: when injured people cannot access timely support, families suffer. 

The Human Impact of Delayed or Denied Claims 

Behind every insurance claim is a real person trying to rebuild their life after an accident. 

When support is delayed or denied, plaintiffs may face impossible choices, such as: 

• Paying rent or covering medical treatment  

• Buying groceries or keeping up with utility bills  

• Returning to work too soon before fully healing  

• Taking on debt just to survive  

• Losing stability during an already traumatic time  

For many, these are not hypothetical concerns—they are urgent realities. 

Why Financial Stability Matters During Litigation 

Personal injury cases often take time to resolve. Investigations, treatment, negotiations, and legal proceedings do not happen overnight. Yet bills continue to arrive while a case is pending. 

That gap between injury and resolution is where plaintiffs are most vulnerable. Without support, financial stress can become overwhelming and may even pressure injured people into accepting less than they deserve simply to make ends meet. 

How The Milestone Foundation Helps 

The Milestone Foundation was created to offer a better path. As the only nonprofit in the consumer litigation funding industry, our mission is rooted in one belief: plaintiff funding should be a resource and a benefit, not a harm. 

We provide low-cost financial assistance designed to help plaintiffs maintain stability while their cases move forward. Our goal is not to profit from hardship, but to provide dignity, relief, and hope during a difficult chapter. 

For plaintiffs recovering from car accidents, that support can help cover essential living expenses such as: 

• Housing  

• Utilities  

• Groceries  

• Transportation  

• Everyday necessities  

Why Transparency and Consumer Protection Matter 

Conversations about insurance reform are ultimately conversations about people. Plaintiffs deserve a system that is fair, transparent, and responsive when they need help most. They deserve accountability from institutions that collect premiums and promise protection. 

Stronger consumer protections and greater transparency can help restore trust and ensure injured individuals are not left behind after an accident. 

Looking Ahead 

At The Milestone Foundation, we will continue standing with plaintiffs navigating financial hardship after car accidents and other serious injuries. Because access to justice is about more than the courtroom—it is also about whether someone can keep a roof overhead, put food on the table, and hold on long enough to see their case through. 

When claims go unpaid, the consequences are personal. That is why our work matters. 

By Julia Saunders 

For many Americans, the idea of “basic living expenses” has shifted from a baseline of stability to a constant financial strain. 

Basic living expenses refer to the essential costs required to maintain a household and function day-to-day. These typically include housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare—expenses that are not optional, but necessary for survival. 

Today, those costs are higher than ever. Recent data (including consumer financial insights from Intuit research) shows that the average American household spends approximately $6,000 per month or more on basic living expenses. In many cases, housing alone consumes 25% to 33% of household income, leaving little flexibility for emergencies or unexpected financial disruptions. 

What “Basic” Actually Costs Today 

Across the United States, essential monthly expenses commonly break down as follows: 

• Housing (rent or mortgage, insurance, taxes): ~$2,000–$2,200/month  

• Transportation (car payments, fuel, insurance, public transit): ~$1,000–$1,100/month  

• Food (groceries and essentials): ~$660–$850/month  

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet, gas, trash): ~$400–$750/month  

• Healthcare (insurance, prescriptions, care): varies widely, often several hundred dollars monthly  

When combined, these necessities leave many households with little to no remaining income after covering the basics. And for families facing unexpected crises such as job loss, illness, or injury, the financial pressure can become immediate and overwhelming. 

The Hidden Financial Pressure Behind Legal Claims 

One of the most overlooked financial stressors comes when individuals are involved in legal claims that take months or even years to resolve. While a case moves through the legal system, daily life does not pause. Bills continue. Rent is due. Transportation is still required. Families still need food, childcare, and medical care. 

To illustrate this, in 2025, The Milestone Foundation reviewed the needs of plaintiffs it supported and found the following breakdown of financial pressure: 

• Combination of multiple essential needs: 45%  

• Housing costs: 34%  

• Transportation: 14%  

• Childcare: 6%  

These numbers highlight a critical reality: for many plaintiffs, financial strain is not caused by one expense, but by several overlapping necessities that become unmanageable at once. 

Where The Milestone Foundation Fits In 

As a provider of low-interest pre-settlement funding, The Milestone Foundation helps plaintiffs maintain financial stability while their legal cases are pending. This support is designed to cover essential living costs, so individuals are not forced into financial desperation while waiting for fair resolution. By helping plaintiffs meet basic needs like housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare, the Foundation helps ensure that financial pressure does not dictate legal outcomes. 

Access to Justice Includes Financial Stability 

Access to justice is often discussed in terms of legal rights, representation, and fair outcomes. But there is another layer that is just as important: the ability to survive financially while pursuing justice. When basic living costs consume nearly all household income, even a strong legal claim can become difficult to sustain. Financial instability can pressure individuals into settling early or accepting less than they deserve simply to meet immediate needs. Addressing this gap is central to The Milestone Foundation’s mission—ensuring that plaintiffs are not forced to choose between financial survival and fair legal recovery. 

The Bigger Picture 

Rising costs of living are not a temporary challenge—they reflect a broader economic reality affecting millions of households. As essential expenses continue to climb, more Americans find themselves living one unexpected event away from financial instability. Understanding this context is essential to understanding why financial support during litigation matters. Because access to justice doesn’t just happen in court—it happens at the kitchen table, at the rent due date, and in the everyday decisions families are forced to make while waiting for their cases to resolve. 

 

By Rachel McCarthy

At The Milestone Foundation, everything we do begins with a simple but powerful idea: plaintiff funding should be a resource and a benefit, not a harm, to plaintiffs. That belief is the reason we chose to be a nonprofit organization—and it continues to guide how we serve the legal community every day. 

What It Means to Be a Nonprofit 

The Milestone Foundation is a 501c3 public charity, incorporated in New York State. We are the only nonprofit in the consumer litigation funding industry.  

Being a nonprofit means that our organization exists to advance a mission rather than generate profits for owners or shareholders. Any funds we receive—whether through repaid advances, donations, grants, or partnerships—are reinvested directly into our programs, services, and initiatives. 

For The Milestone Foundation, this structure ensures that every dollar supports the people we care about most: plaintiffs. It creates accountability, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities we serve. 

Why We Chose the Nonprofit Path 

The decision to become a nonprofit wasn’t just a legal or financial one—it was a reflection of         our values. 

We recognized early on that the consumer litigation funding industry is not plaintiff friendly. Traditional funding companies charge high interest rates that can leave a plaintiff depleted once they finally receive their settlement. The priority of the traditional pre-settlement funding industry is making money, not helping to keep plaintiffs stable while they go through litigation.  

But our origination was also designed as an experiment: can a nonprofit organization make it in the consumer litigation funding industry? Is it possible to provide plaintiff funding at low-cost? Is there an appetite for this among the civil justice community? Would trial lawyers show up and support this type of nonprofit?  

Ten years later, the answer to these questions is YES.  

The challenges we aim to address require long-term commitment, trust, and collaboration. A nonprofit model allows us to: 

• Focus entirely on impact rather than revenue generation 

• Build trust with donors, partners, plaintiffs, and the legal community 

• Access funding opportunities like grants and charitable contributions 

• Operate with transparency, ensuring stakeholders know how resources are used 

Most importantly, it keeps us aligned with our mission of fair funding. 

How The Milestone Foundation Operates as a Nonprofit 

Running a nonprofit involves more than just having a mission—it requires structure, governance, and accountability. 

Here’s how we put those principles into action: 

1. Mission-Driven 

Everything we do is designed to create measurable, meaningful impact for plaintiffs struggling to cover basic living expenses. We continually evaluate our operations to ensure they are effective and aligned with our goals. 

2. Responsible Financial Stewardship

We carefully manage our resources, prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. Funds are allocated thoughtfully to maximize the benefit to those we serve. 

3. Community and Donor Support

Our work is made possible by the generosity of donors and partners. Their support allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. 

4. Governance and Accountability

We are guided by a board and leadership team committed to ethical decision-making and organizational integrity. Regular reporting and transparency help ensure we remain accountable to our supporters and community. 

Why It Matters 

Choosing to be a nonprofit shapes everything about The Milestone Foundation—from how we make decisions to how we measure success. 

It means: 

• Putting people before profit 

• Staying committed to long-term industry change 

• Building relationships rooted in trust 

• Being a leader in the consumer litigation funding industry 

• Ensuring that impact, not income, defines our success 

Looking Ahead 

As we continue to grow, our nonprofit identity will remain at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just a designation—it’s a commitment to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose.  

The Milestone Foundation is proud to be a nonprofit organization, and we are grateful for everyone who helps make our mission possible. 

By Rachel McCarthy

On March 4, a Missouri judge gave initial approval to the proposed $7.25 billion settlement, which would resolve thousands of pending lawsuits claiming that Bayer’s Roundup causes cancer.  

Only a day later, dozens of consumer litigation funders already have webpages up, ready to encourage plaintiffs to seek settlement advances.  

Consumer litigation funding plays an important role in our legal system, enabling plaintiffs to pursue justice rather than dropping their claims or settling for less than their injuries deserve. However, for this funding to truly support justice, funders must make their funding terms clear and in plain language from the get-go of engaging with an interested plaintiff and offer support at rates that are not exploitative or nearly usurious.  

The industry must also reassess how it positions its offerings. Consumer litigation finance should be viewed as a last resort by plaintiffs and leveraged after plaintiffs have discussed with their attorneys; funders should not proactively solicit plaintiffs to seek settlement advances.  

This growing industry is like the Wild West of our legal system—and the unclear terms on websites that offer plaintiffs pre-settlement funding, coupled with the lack of regulation on interest rates that can be charged, highlight critical opportunities for reform. 

A Nationally Unregulated Industry  

Consumer litigation funding began in the 1990s as a tool for plaintiffs who were increasingly seeing their personal injury claims deliberately dragged out by insurance companies who realized that the longer litigation would take, the less money a plaintiff would accept. By providing plaintiffs a way to cover the gap in paying life expenses while they pursued their case, the attorney could see the lawsuit through to its just end. This funding is typically used to cover critical daily expenses such as housing, transportation, and groceries. Unlike commercial litigation funding, it is not used to finance the litigation itself. But in the decades since consumer litigation funding’s beginnings, it has grown into a sprawling, largely unregulated industry.   

While some states have enacted meaningful legislation for plaintiffs around litigation funding, most states lack any formal protection for plaintiffs. Because plaintiff funding advances are non-recourse, many traditional funders can easily navigate around states’ usury and other consumer protection laws.  

Further, there is no federal cap on the interest rates that lenders can charge for litigation funding. Annual percentage rates (APRs) on advances in this market range from 30% and can soar as high as up to 124%. This lack of regulation exposes plaintiffs to financial risk while they pursue their case or wait for their settlement.  

Roundup Funding Terms  

A consumer looking for a settlement advance for their Roundup injury claims will likely have little chance of understanding the terms of what they are getting. Even a cursory review of half a dozen funders’ Roundup funding pages leaves the consumer in the dark about the terms of their funding.  

While it’s easy for someone to enter their name, email, requested funding amount, and preferred delivery method for the advance, these pages provide no meaningful disclosure of the funding terms, like the interest rate or Annual Percentage Rate, of their repayment schedule, or additional fees.  

For the average consumer, this looks like a low-stakes way to secure funding for a settlement they believe is on the way. But what they may not realize is that they could owe tens of thousands of dollars on their advance by the time their settlement arrives.  

One funder states, “We can provide you with up to $1 million in legal funding. The money can be deposited in your bank account within 24 hours of your application’s approval. Applying is easy and takes just a few minutes and can be done online or with one of our agents.”  But nowhere on its page does it walk a plaintiff through the interest rates and how that could impact their total recovery after the settlement.  

The opaque nature of the consumer litigation funding industry leaves plaintiffs vulnerable to exploitation after they have already suffered a significant trauma that brought them into the legal process in the first place.  

Opportunities for Reform  

Consumer litigation funding is a critical bridge to justice for hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs across the country. The industry must balance risk with the goal of opening up access to justice—not just enriching funders at the expense of qualified plaintiffs.  

Whether that is funders undertaking a more discerning vetting process for whom they fund, or building their financing model with an interest rate that still provides plaintiffs with most of their settlement, failure to adjust the industry leaves this critical option open to criticism and vulnerable to unilateral efforts to stop the practice. It puts plaintiffs across the country who rely on consumer litigation funding at risk.  

States across the country have introduced legislation to protect consumers, from Ohio and Oklahoma to Nebraska and New York. These states have established benchmark requirements for litigation funders to engage with plaintiffs, but more needs to be done at the national level.  

Instead of allowing plaintiffs to quickly sign up for loans without disclosures of forthcoming APRs, federal legislation should require up-front disclosures of interest rates, expected APRs, and plan-language contract terms. Funders should also be limited on the total amount of a plaintiff’s final settlement that they can recover. Finally, a national cap on interest rates would protect plaintiffs from exploitative lenders, balancing risk with plaintiffs’ ability to access the settlement they are entitled to.  

These common-sense reforms would benefit not only those currently seeking funding after a major national settlement announcement but also all plaintiffs across the country.  

Rachel McCarthy is the Executive Director of The Milestone Foundation.  

By Julia Saunders

In the litigation funding industry, conversations around interest caps are becoming more common—often positioned as a necessary protection for plaintiffs. 

At The Milestone Foundation, we take a different approach. 

We don’t need an interest cap because our rates are already designed to be fair, transparent, and significantly lower than all other pre-settlement funding options. 

A Different Model by Design 

As a nonprofit focused on ethical consumer litigation funding, our goal isn’t to maximize returns—it’s to support plaintiffs during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. 

That means offering: 

• Simple, transparent terms 

• No compounding structures that rapidly increase costs  

• Rates that prioritize long-term fairness  

What the Numbers Show 

When you compare outcomes over time, the difference is clear. 

Over the course of 2–3 years, traditional funding models that rely on compounding interest can dramatically increase what a client ultimately owes. Even with caps in place, repayment amounts can grow quickly and often doubling or tripling the original advance. 

By contrast, The Milestone Foundation’s model uses a 15% simple interest rate for pre-settlement funding and a 10% simple interest rate for post-settlement funding, resulting in significantly lower total repayment amounts over time. 

As shown in the chart below, plaintiffs funded through our model consistently owe far less than they would under common industry structures like: 

• 18% semi-annual compounding  

• 3% monthly compounding  

Why This Matters for Plaintiffs 

Litigation can take years. During that time, financial pressure shouldn’t force someone into settling early or accepting less than their case is worth. 

Lower, more predictable costs mean: 

• Greater financial stability during the case  

• Less pressure to settle prematurely  

• More equitable outcomes overall  

A Focus on Fairness, Not Limits 

Interest caps are one way to address high-cost funding—but they’re not the only solution. 

At The Milestone Foundation, we believe the better approach is to build fairness into the model from the start. 

By keeping rates low and structures simple, we ensure that plaintiffs are supported throughout the legal process. 

By Julia Saunders

Key Legislative Trends 

State legislatures across the United States are increasingly focusing on consumer litigation funding (CLF), with new laws and proposed bills aimed at regulating disclosure requirements, fee structures, and funder conduct. The 2025–2026 legislative cycle reflects a broader shift toward formal regulatory frameworks rather than outright bans on litigation finance. 

New York Leads with Comprehensive Regulatory Framework 

New York has emerged as the most active state in shaping litigation funding regulations. In December 2025, the state enacted the Consumer Litigation Funding Act (A804-C / S1104A), establishing a comprehensive framework governing consumer litigation funding agreements. The law is scheduled to take effect in June 2026.  

Key provisions include: 

• A cap limiting funder recovery to 25% of the gross settlement or judgment  

• Mandatory plain-language contract requirements  

• A 10-day consumer rescission period  

• Registration and regulatory oversight of litigation funders  

• Prohibitions on funders influencing litigation strategy or settlement decisions  

These provisions establish New York as a model jurisdiction for structured regulation of the industry (Goldberg Segalla, 2025).  

While this legislation is progress, the bill still doesn’t cap interest rates that lenders can charge, nor does it impose rules or restrictions on the types of fees that can be charged. As the legislature looks to further protect plaintiffs, these areas must be targeted for reform and additional oversight. 

Litigation funding should provide plaintiffs with a bridge to seek justice, not expose them to additional risk after trauma. (McCarthy Woodruff, 2026).  

Building on this framework, New York Senate Bill S08808 (2026) is currently under consideration. The bill would further refine regulatory structure by: 

• Placing oversight under financial services law (Article 10 framework)  

• Requiring annual reporting and formal registration of funding entities  

• Standardizing contract requirements  

• Defining covered litigation funding transactions, including advances up to $500,000 tied to case proceeds  

Rather than introducing new regulation from scratch, S08808 represents a technical expansion and administrative refinement of the 2025 law (LegiScan, 2026). 

 

National Trends in Litigation Funding Legislation (2025–2026) 

Outside of New York, state legislatures are increasingly exploring similar regulatory approaches, with several common themes emerging across proposals.

A. Consumer Protection and Licensing Frameworks

A growing number of states are considering or drafting legislation that would: 

• Require licensing or formal registration of litigation funding companies  

• Mandate standardized disclosures and contract language  

• Introduce cooling-off or rescission periods  

• Impose limits on fees or total repayment amounts, either through caps or “reasonableness” standards  

These proposals closely follow the New York model and reflect a broader shift toward treating litigation funding as a regulated financial service industry.

B. Increased Transparency Requirements

Another major trend is expanded transparency obligations. Some legislative proposals would require disclosure of litigation funding agreements: 

• To courts  

• To opposing parties  

• In certain cases, in mass tort or class action proceedings  

These proposals are often linked to broader concerns about transparency in complex litigation and potential third-party influence. Similar ideas are reflected in federal proposals such as the Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2026, which would require disclosure in federal multidistrict litigation (MDLs) and class actions (Institute for Legal Reform, 2026).

C. Control Restrictions and “Champerty-Adjacent” Reforms

Rather than reinstating traditional champerty doctrines, modern legislation tends to regulate funder conduct indirectly by restricting control and influence. Common provisions include: 

• Prohibitions on funders directing litigation strategy  

• Restrictions on influencing settlement decisions  

• Limitations on referral arrangements between funders and attorneys  

• Safeguards addressing conflicts of interest and confidentiality concerns  

These measures function as modern equivalents of champerty restrictions, focusing on maintaining attorney independence rather than banning funding outright. 

Key Takeaways 

The 2025–2026 legislative landscape reflects a clear national trend: 

• New York is currently the leading regulatory model for consumer litigation funding  

• States are moving toward structured regulation rather than prohibition  

• The primary policy themes include consumer protection, transparency, and limits on funder control  

• Additional states are expected to introduce New York–style frameworks in upcoming legislative sessions  

Connecting Regulation to Access to Justice 

As state-level regulation of litigation funding continues to evolve, the broader conversation remains centered on how to balance consumer protection with meaningful access to justice. Stronger oversight, clearer disclosures, and fairer fee structures all play an important role in ensuring plaintiffs are treated equitably within the litigation finance ecosystem. 

Organizations like The Milestone Foundation operate within this same landscape, providing pre-settlement funding intended to support plaintiffs facing financial pressure during long litigation timelines. As regulatory frameworks develop, the focus on ethical, transparent funding models remains central to ensuring that plaintiffs can pursue their claims without being forced into premature or disadvantaged settlements due to financial hardship. 

 

Sources 

• LegiScan, New York Senate Bill S08808 (2026)
  https://legiscan.com/ (bill tracking database)  

• Goldberg Segalla, Analysis of New York Consumer Litigation Funding Act (A804-C / S1104A)
  https://www.goldbergsegalla.com/insights/ (industry legal commentary)  

• Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2026 Overview
  https://instituteforlegalreform.com/ 

• Bloomberg Law, NY Consumer Law Is First Step in Combatting Predatory Lending
  https://news.bloomberglaw.com/legal-exchange-insights-and-commentary/ny-consumer-law-is-first-step-in-combatting-predatory-lending 

By: Julia Saunders

U.S. veterans have dedicated their lives to serving their country, yet many face significant challenges long after their service ends. From exposure-related harms to financial instability, veterans can often be navigating complex legal and personal battles at the same time. 

In recent years, many veterans have become involved in large-scale litigation tied to their service, including the 3M Combat Arms Earplug litigation, Camp Lejeune water contamination claims, and PFAS-related lawsuits affecting military bases nationwide. These cases are often lengthy, complex, and can take years to resolve. 

At the same time, veterans are increasingly facing financial strain. Recently, more than 10,000 veterans have lost their homes to foreclosure since May 2025, with another 90,000 at risk. For a population that is already historically underserved, these challenges highlight a growing need for additional support systems. 

A Unique Financial Challenge 

For veterans involved in litigation, the financial burden can be especially difficult. While pursuing justice, many are also managing everyday expenses—housing, food, healthcare, and supporting their families. 

When cases stretch over long periods of time, this financial pressure can impact decision-making. Plaintiffs may feel forced to settle early or accept less favorable outcomes simply to stay afloat. 

The Importance of Ethical Funding Options 

This is where ethical plaintiff funding becomes critical. 

Not all funding options are created equally. Veterans need access to transparent, fair, and responsible funding solutions that prioritize their wellbeing.  

Ethical funding means: 

• Clear, upfront terms  

• Reasonable cost structures  

• No influence over legal decisions  

• A focus on supporting plaintiffs through the process—not taking advantage of them  

For veterans who have already sacrificed so much, having access to this kind of support can make a meaningful difference in their ability to pursue justice on their own terms. 

The Milestone Foundation’s Perspective 

The Milestone Foundation provides pre-settlement funding to plaintiffs navigating long and complex litigation, helping reduce financial pressure while they wait for their cases to resolve. 

We believe that access to justice should never be determined by financial circumstances. For veterans—who have given so much in service—ensuring access to ethical, compassionate support is especially important. 

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, expanding fair and responsible funding options for underserved populations like veterans remains a critical part of the broader access-to-justice conversation. 

Sources 

• NPR, Veterans face rising foreclosure risk after VA program changes
  https://www.npr.org/2026/04/02/nx-s1-5750814/veterans-mortgages-foreclosure-va-rescue 

By: Julia Saunders

In complex litigation, achieving a fair outcome often takes time, patience, and thoughtful decision-making. You might be out of work as a result of your accident or tragedy, but everyday expenses don’t pause. While a case moves forward, financial pressure can quickly become overwhelming.  

When that pressure builds, it can start to influence decisions. Some plaintiffs may feel the need to resolve their case sooner than they would like, but not because it reflects the true value of their claim, but because immediate financial stress becomes the driving factor. 

That’s where pre-settlement funding and responsible plaintiff funding can make a meaningful difference. 

The Milestone Foundation provides low-cost litigation funding designed to help plaintiffs maintain financial stability while their case is ongoing. We believe that access to fair pre-settlement funding plays an important role in helping individuals stay the course during the legal process. 

When plaintiffs have access to responsible financial support, they are better positioned to focus on their recovery, remain engaged in their case, and make informed decisions without the pressure of immediate financial hardship. 

This type of plaintiff funding does not impact the legal strategy or the merits of a case; it helps ensure that financial strain is not the deciding factor in critical decisions. 

Plaintiff funding gives attorneys the time they need to focus on the case, while ensuring their clients are financially supported and not pressured to settle before the right outcome is reached. 

Maximizing a case outcome isn’t about prolonging litigation; it’s about ensuring plaintiffs have the stability they need to see their case through with confidence. By reducing financial pressure through low interest funding, we help create an environment where decisions can be made thoughtfully and fairly. 

At The Milestone Foundation, our mission is to provide ethical pre-settlement funding so plaintiffs can pursue the outcome they deserve, and attorneys can feel confident their clients are supported every step of the way.