What Oasis Pre-Settlement Loans Are
Oasis Litigation Finance is a company that lends money to people who have filed a lawsuit but have not yet received a settlement or judgment. You borrow against the money you expect to win, and repay the loan only if you win or settle your case. If you lose, you owe nothing back.
These loans are not the same as a traditional bank loan. The lender is betting on the outcome of your case, not on your credit score or income. That is why they can lend to people with poor credit or no steady job — what matters is whether your lawsuit has a reasonable chance of winning money.
Oasis operates in most U.S. states and handles cases across many areas: personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful termination, product liability, and others. They work with individual plaintiffs, not class actions or criminal cases.
Key Takeaways
- Oasis lends money during a lawsuit and takes repayment only from your settlement or judgment, so you risk nothing if you lose.
- The cost of borrowing is high — interest rates and fees typically range from 27% to 50% or more of the loan amount, depending on case risk and how long you wait.
- You must have an active lawsuit with an attorney, and Oasis will review your case before deciding whether to lend.
- The money arrives in days or weeks, not months, which makes these loans useful when you need cash urgently while your case is pending.
- Your attorney and Oasis communicate directly about the loan, and Oasis is paid from your settlement before you receive your share.
How Much You Can Borrow and What It Costs
Oasis typically lends between $500 and $100,000, though the actual amount depends on the size and strength of your case. A stronger case — one with clear liability and high damages — may may have access to for a larger loan. A weaker case may may have access to for less, or not at all.
The cost of borrowing is substantial. Oasis charges interest, origination fees, and sometimes case review fees. The total cost to you ranges from roughly 27% to 50% or higher of the loan amount, depending on how long your case takes and how risky Oasis judges it to be. A $10,000 loan might cost you $2,700 to $5,000 or more by the time you repay it.
Unlike a traditional loan, you do not make monthly payments. Instead, Oasis takes its repayment directly from your settlement or judgment. If you settle for $50,000 and owe Oasis $12,000 (principal plus fees and interest), your attorney receives the settlement, pays Oasis $12,000, and you get the remainder after your attorney's fee.
The process and Approval Process
You cannot explore to Oasis directly. Your attorney must submit your case on your behalf. Your lawyer will provide Oasis with details about the lawsuit: the type of case, the defendant, the injuries or damages, and the stage of litigation.
Oasis reviews the case to assess the likelihood of winning and the probable settlement range. This review typically takes a few days to a week. If Oasis approves the loan, you sign a contract that spells out the loan amount, the cost, and the repayment terms. The money usually arrives within days.
Oasis may decline to lend if the case is too weak, too early in litigation, or involves a defendant unlikely to have money to pay a judgment. They may also decline if your attorney has a poor track record or if the case is in a jurisdiction where Oasis does not operate.
When a Pre-Settlement Loan Makes Sense
These loans are most useful when you face when ready financial hardship while your case is pending. If you cannot pay rent, medical bills, or living expenses while waiting for a settlement, a pre-settlement loan can bridge that gap without forcing you to accept a lower settlement just to get cash quickly.
They also make sense if your case will take years to resolve. A case in early discovery or one headed to trial may not settle for 18 months or longer. If you need money now, waiting that long is not realistic.
Pre-settlement loans are less useful if your case is likely to settle soon, if you have other sources of money available, or if the cost of borrowing would eat up a large portion of your expected recovery. A $5,000 loan that costs $2,000 in fees leaves you with only $3,000 in actual cash — a poor trade if you can wait a few more months for settlement.
Risks and Downsides You Should Understand
The most obvious risk is cost. The fees and interest are high because Oasis takes on real risk — if you lose your case, they lose their money. But that high cost means you are giving up a significant portion of your recovery. A settlement that feels large may feel much smaller after Oasis, your attorney, and taxes take their shares.
A second risk is that borrowing may affect your settlement negotiations. If Oasis has lent you $15,000, you may feel pressure to accept a settlement offer that covers the loan repayment, even if waiting might bring a better offer. Your attorney should manage this conflict, but it exists.
A third risk is that if your case takes much longer than expected, the cost of the loan grows. Some loans charge interest that accrues over time, so a case that was supposed to settle in one year but takes three years becomes much more expensive.
Finally, if you lose your case, you owe Oasis nothing — but you also have no money and no recovery. You will have borrowed and spent money that you will never recoup.
Alternatives to Pre-Settlement Loans
Before borrowing from Oasis, consider whether other options exist. Some attorneys will advance costs (filing fees, informed witness fees) without charging interest, though they will recoup those costs from your settlement. Ask your attorney whether they do this.
You might also explore personal loans from a bank or credit union, though these require monthly payments and do not depend on your case outcome. A credit card or line of credit may be cheaper than a pre-settlement loan if you can manage the payments.
Some people reduce expenses instead of borrowing: cutting discretionary spending, moving in with family, or taking temporary work. This is slower than a loan but costs nothing.
If your hardship is severe — you cannot afford food or housing — look into local emergency information programs, food banks, or nonprofits that help people in financial crisis. These do not depend on your lawsuit and may cost you nothing.
Questions to Ask Your Attorney Before Borrowing
Your attorney knows your case better than anyone. Before you sign with Oasis, ask your lawyer these questions: How long do you think this case will take? What is your realistic settlement estimate? Do you think the case is strong enough that Oasis will lend? What will the total cost be, and how much will that reduce my recovery?
Also ask whether your attorney has worked with Oasis before and what their experience has been. Ask whether the attorney thinks you should borrow at all, or whether waiting is a better option. A good attorney will be honest about whether a pre-settlement loan serves your interests or just makes their job easier by reducing your financial pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I lose my case after borrowing from Oasis?
You owe Oasis nothing. The loan is contingent on winning or settling. If you lose, Oasis absorbs the loss, and you are not responsible for repayment. However, you will have spent the borrowed money and will not recover it.
Can I borrow from Oasis if I do not have an attorney yet?
No. Oasis requires that you have an attorney who will submit your case for review. If you are considering a lawsuit but have not hired a lawyer, you cannot borrow from Oasis until you do.
How long does it take to get the money after I am approved?
Once you sign the loan contract, the money typically arrives within three to five business days. Some lenders are faster. Ask Oasis for their timeline when you discuss the loan.
Will borrowing from Oasis hurt my credit score?
A pre-settlement loan does not appear on your credit report because it is not a traditional debt. It does not affect your credit score. However, if you default on the loan (which happens only if you lose your case and Oasis tries to collect anyway), it could affect your credit.
What if my settlement is smaller than expected?
Oasis still takes its repayment from the settlement, even if the amount is smaller than you hoped. If you settle for $20,000 but owe Oasis $8,000, Oasis gets paid first. You and your attorney split what remains. This is why it is important to understand the cost upfront and to discuss settlement strategy with your attorney.