Accident victims should have access to experienced legal representation as soon as possible following an accident. Whether it was a slip and fall accident, car accident, or motorcycle accident, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case. Unfortunately, many accident victims put off seeking legal representation, believing they can’t afford it. However, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With this type of payment arrangement, accident victims can obtain legal representation immediately after an accident, significantly increasing their chances of a successful outcome in their cases.
What is a Contingency Fee?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. With this type of payment arrangement, the amount a client pays an attorney for their expertise, time, and skill depends on how much money the attorney can obtain on behalf of their client. Whether they help them obtain an arbitration award, trial verdict, or settlement, the amount will be the same. The fee will be capped at whatever percentage the client agreed upon at the time they hired their attorney.
Additionally, if a client’s case is unsuccessful, they will not have to pay a fee for their lawyer’s services. One of the biggest benefits of contingency fee payment arrangements is not having to pay any upfront fees. A personal injury lawyer will advance all of the necessary costs to pursue the case. This means the client will only pay a fee and reimburse their attorney for the costs advanced if the case is successful.
Expenses and Costs
In addition to paying a personal injury lawyer a fee, the client will also need to reimburse their attorney for any case-related costs that are incurred on the client’s behalf. Most attorneys will cover those costs throughout the legal process with the expectation that they’ll be reimbursed if the case is successful.
Case-related costs can include:
- Court filings
- Expert witnesses
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Trial exhibits
- Depositions
- Transcripts
These expenses can add up, especially if a case goes to trial. The most expensive cases tend to be truck accidents, product liability, and medical malpractice cases since these cases often require several experts.
What Happens to My Settlement or Award?
When a case is done, settlement agreements have been signed or a judgment has been issued by the court, the insurance company will send a check to the attorney. A personal injury lawyer is required to place the check into their trust account, and then provide the client with an accounting of how the money will be disbursed. A disbursal sheet will identify the verdict or settlement amount, the lawyer’s fees, any liens, and costs that must be paid.
Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth it?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis is risk-free. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles every aspect of your case. Your attorney will not get paid unless you do and they get paid based on the results they obtain for you. Because of this, your attorney will have a vested interest in helping you obtain maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, contact the Ibrahim Law Firm. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer on our legal team to learn how they can help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
