Jon StojanSeeking the guidance of professionals with extensive knowledge, experience, and specialization is an utmost priority when navigating complex legal or financial situations. The right expert by one’s side can make all the difference for those facing the challenge of dealing with medical malpractice birth injury cases. William Rothrock is a trusted authority in this landscape, possessing over two decades of experience in structured settlements and a vast background in finance.
Rothrock’s expertise is in resolving complex financial integration issues that arise in sensitive cases. His work focuses on creating financial plans that provide financial security for victims and their families. The seasoned professional’s venture into medical malpractice began with a solid foundation in finance.
After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, Rothrock pursued a career in the same field. He worked for a trust company, where his role focused on financial matters. His natural aptitude for numbers and in-depth understanding of the subject made him a valuable asset to the attorneys he worked with. He was introduced to structured settlements during this time—a turning point that would shape the rest of his career.
“An attorney asked if I could assist with one of his cases involving structured settlements,” Rothrock recalls. “I found my calling after seeing how a well-structured financial plan could impact the lives of those affected by medical malpractice.” The veteran recognized that his financial expertise could aid families in coping with the aftermath of such tragedies, ensuring that the compensation they received would truly benefit them in the long run.
Rothrock’s passion for his work is personal. He underwent numerous surgeries throughout his childhood – 18 ear operations between the ages of five and 18 – to correct various issues. He understands the pain of being different, of being vulnerable, and the cruelty that can come with it.
These experiences motivated him to help those who cannot protect themselves, especially children who have suffered birth injuries due to medical malpractice. “I want to make sure that every child and family I work with has the financial stability they deserve. This means turning what could be a lifetime of hardship into a future of security and hope,” Rothrock remarks.
Photo credit: William Rothrock
He shares that the structured settlements were a response to the tragic outcomes of the thalidomide crisis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Thalidomide was a drug prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage. It resulted in severe birth defects, including children being born without limbs.
The lawsuits led to large settlements for the affected children. The children would receive substantial compensation for their injuries related to Thalidomide; upon reaching the age of majority, 18, they found those assets had been dissipated by those they trusted most. Often, family members, friends, or advisors took advantage of these very vulnerable children. Legislators realized quickly that a remedy had to be established.
The federal government stepped into this breach in 1979, designing a structured settlement to ensure the futures of these and other vulnerable children who would follow were secure. A structured settlement represents the only financial instrument that can utilize the term “guaranteed” in reference to all future non-taxable distributions.
In 2001, Rothrock founded Rothrock Settlement Consulting, a firm offering specialized financial services for plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. The company assists plaintiffs and the attorneys who represent them by providing a tailored cross-disciplinary analysis. With this, clients receive the most successful post-litigation financial outcomes possible.
Rothrock Settlement Consulting provides diverse services. It aids plaintiffs in handling the financial complexities of receiving a large settlement, guaranteeing that the settlement funds are allocated to meet immediate and long-term needs. In addition, the firm supports attorneys in organizing financial data before litigation begins. It also caters to business owners concerned about retiring with financial stability after selling or transitioning their company.
William Rothrock remains dedicated to ensuring that every settlement provides long-term security and peace of mind. He aims to continue being a reliable partner for stakeholders dealing with the complex and often overwhelming world of medical malpractice settlements.