If you sue someone over a personal injury, your odds of receiving compensation are greatly improved with the aid of a competent lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer. Naturally, such expertise does not come for free. Here is a brief overview regarding how these lawyers are reimbursed for their professional services.
Contingency Fees
Most personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing unless your case goes to court and ends in a successful outcome. Your representative will take a percentage of your financial award that could land anywhere between 33 and 40 percent. If this seems too high, you may be able to negotiate a lower amount.
Personal injury attorneys often use sliding scales based on how quickly their cases reach a resolution. The longer it takes to settle your suit, the greater the percentage your counsel receives. Be sure you receive a disclosure of this scale from the outset.
Working Fees
Expect to compensate your attorney for operating expenses incurred while working on your behalf. These costs are typically billed after a case has reached its final resolution.
Expenditures associated with preparing your lawsuit may include:
- Filing fees for medical and police reports
- Appearance charges for expert witnesses
- Money owed to testimony transcriptionists
- The price of materials used to construct trial exhibits
These items can add up. Once all expenses are factored in, you may ultimately find yourself sacrificing up to 60 percent of your total award. Make sure you are aware of all fees for which you are to be held responsible prior to making your hire official.
Paying Injury Lawyer Fees
Commonly, personal injury attorneys receive payment directly from their legal opposition. This assures that clients cannot make off with an award having not compensated their representative. Once settlement money has been received, your lawyer will get in touch to distribute your portion. This check should also come with a report that details every item for which there was a deduction. When disputes arise, the money is typically placed in a neutral account while the conflict is solved.
If you decide mid-suit to hire another attorney or represent yourself, expect to receive a lien demanding reimbursement for already sustained fees from your previously hired legal counsel. Failing to fulfill your original attorney’s monetary request may result in getting sued. Prevent this outcome by having your lawyer agree in writing not to pursue litigation against you at the start of your relationship.
Personal injury attorneys can be expensive, yet your chances of winning in court are far superior with one by your side. Always hire knowledgeable legal representation for help in acquiring the money you deserve.