When you are injured as a result of the negligence of some other person, you deserve access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of your financial situation. That’s why most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis for many different types of cases. But what does that mean for you?
Understanding Contingency Fees
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where a lawyer’s fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of your case. This means that instead of charging an hourly rate, your lawyer only gets paid if you secure a settlement, verdict, or jury award in your favor. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for legal services.
When you work with experienced personal injury counsel on a contingency fee basis, you can rest assured that your legal team is fully invested in your case. The attorney’s payment depends entirely on the success of your claim, which aligns our interest with yours. We take on the risk of investing our time and energy into your case while you can benefit from the reward.
Why Choose Contingency Fees?
Contingency fees are especially common in personal injury cases because they make it possible for anyone to pursue justice, regardless of their financial status. Medical expenses and other bills can pile up quickly after an injury, and the last thing you need to worry about is how to afford an attorney. With a contingency fee arrangement, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
Limited resources should never limit your access to the justice system. The more the attorney is able to recover for you, the more they earn. This motivates them to work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
By comparison, traditional fee arrangements involve paying a lawyer by the hour. This often requires an upfront retainer fee. If the case becomes prolonged or complex, legal fees can quickly add up. Alternatively, your lawyer could stop representing you if you are unable to keep up with payments. Contingency fees eliminate this risk, ensuring that once we take on your case, we are committed to seeing it through to the end.
What to Expect in a Contingency Fee Agreement
When you choose a law firm to represent you on a contingency fee basis, you will sign an agreement that outlines the details of the working relationship. This agreement will specify the percentage of the recovery that will be paid as our fee. It will also provide details about any other potential costs that might arise during your case.
The agreement will cover additional costs, such as:
- Expert witnesses: Some cases require expert testimony or analysis, which may incur costs.
- Court fees and costs: If your case goes to trial, there may be associated court fees.
- Certified documents: Obtaining official copies of medical records or other documents may come with a fee.
These additional costs, like our fee, are typically deducted from your settlement or award. You don’t have to worry or pay anything out-of-pocket.
How Much is a Contingency Fee?
The specific percentage of a contingency fee will vary depending on a number of factors:
- Time and effort: The amount of work required to win your case can influence the fee.
- Risk: If the case is complex or uncertain, the potential risk to the lawyer can impact the fee percentage.
- Settlement vs. trial: Cases that settle before trial are generally less time-consuming than those that go to trial, which may also affect the fee.
A dedicated personal injury attorney will strive to ensure that their fee arrangements are fair and transparent. We’ll discuss the potential fee structure with you during your free initial consultation. You won’t be blindsided by hidden costs or fees. You will know exactly what to expect.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Represent You on a Contingency Fee Basis
If you’ve been injured, you deserve a legal team dedicated to your success. Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers offers free consultations to discuss your case and answer any questions you might have about contingency fees.
It is important to work with a lawyer who has extensive experience representing accident victims. They should understand the complexities of personal injury claims and remain committed to fighting for you and your family.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait. Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer today at (770) 900-9000 for a free consultation. They’ll work non-stop to get you the compensation you are entitled to receive.