Structured settlements are used in product liability or injury cases and are implemented to reduce legal and other costs by avoiding trial. They’ve been popular in the United States since the 1970s as a viable alternative to lump sum settlements. A more detailed look into “What’s A Structured Settlement?” can be found by clicking here – http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2010/10/26/whats-a-structured-settlement/print/