Unsolicited Wealth and Unexpected Financial Windfalls

Have you ever made money without much effort or investment? While it might seem 'by accident,' such financial windfalls can occur for various reasons. This article explores different scenarios that led to unexpected profits, including inheriting money, property investments, and class action lawsuits. Understanding these situations can help you recognize potential opportunities for financial gain.

Inherited Wealth Without Effort or Investment

It's not entirely 'by accident' when you inherit money from a deceased person. Many people receive inheritances without significant effort or investment. For instance, if you were fortunate enough to have a property next to a major highway, you might benefit from government expansion projects.

One example involves a property owner in Tennessee. When a freeway was widened, the state acquired the property at a premium price. Not only did the owner receive double the amount paid for the original property, but an additional 50,000 dollars was awarded for moving expenses. Despite having only 15,000 dollars invested, the owner received a net profit of over 300,000 dollars. Such situations highlight how government infrastructure projects can lead to unexpected financial gains.

Unexpected Class Action Settlements

Another type of unsolicited wealth comes in the form of class action lawsuits, where a large group of individuals sue a company for malpractice or wrongdoing. Often, these lawsuits go unnoticed, but occasionally, they can result in substantial payouts.

A few months ago, while checking a bank statement for fraudulent charges, I noticed something unusual. Instead of a charge, there was a deposit of around 1,300 dollars. Upon investigating, it was discovered this money came from a class action lawsuit settlement. After extensive due diligence and reading the municipal utility company's website, it became clear that a 3.5 million dollar settlement had been reached in an August 2019 lawsuit against Seattle City Light. The city agreed to a settlement for improperly billing some of its customers.

According to the announcement on the utility company's website, a portion of this settlement would be paid to residential customers who had received estimated bills before actual usage was recorded. The estimated class settlement amount per each customer was based on the number of qualifying claims made. While most settlements typically result in small payouts, my share of the settlement was much larger due to the significant number of qualifying claims.

Recognizing and Actively Receiving Class Action Settlements

While class action lawsuits often go unnoticed, it's crucial to stay informed and take action if you are eligible for a payout. Notifications are usually sent by mail, but they require your attention to claim the settlement.

Here are a few steps to ensure you receive your share of the settlement:

Stay Informed: Register for class action claims if you are eligible. Keep an eye on your mail for notifications from law firms or the court. Verify Eligibility: Read the lawsuit's criteria and determine if you meet the requirements for the settlement. Submit Claims: Complete and submit any necessary forms to claim your portion of the settlement. If you miss the deadline, you might miss out on the money.

Government projects, inherited properties, and class action lawsuits are prime examples of unexpected financial windfalls. Understanding how these situations work can help you recognize and capitalize on them.