Many lawsuit plaintiffs have financial troubles while they wait for a settlement-trouble that could lower their credit rating. Credit reports are compiled by companies called credit bureaus that receive reports directly from lenders about their customers’ payment practices. Based on a debtor’s history of paying bills and the amount of debt the person carries, credit bureaus come up with a credit score for each person. Every time a person applies for credit-including applying to rent an apartment-if the applicant receives credit and what the applicant pays for credit is largely determined by his or her credit score. Every lawsuit plaintiff needs to know about credit scores, because any lowering of his or her credit score will affect his ability to get a car loan or a credit card, or rent an apartment, once his lawsuit is resolved and he is ready to resume his old lifestyle. Fortunately, lawsuit funding can help many plaintiffs maintain a good credit rating and, therefore, face a brighter financial future once their cases are settled.