Victims of a personal injury accident are often reluctant to contact a Land O’Lakes personal injury attorney to go over their legal options and possible financial remedies because they believe they will not be able to afford the lawyer’s fees. However, what many people fail to realize is that in most personal injury cases, the attorney does not get any money upfront and only gets paid if their client is successful in their case.
How Does a Land O’ Lakes Personal Injury Attorney Get Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that these legal professionals only get paid if they are able to recover compensation for their clients. Under this arrangement, the lawyer will get a certain percentage of the recovery, which is usually around 33% of the money received from a personal injury settlement or court order.
Different Variations of the Contingency Fee Arrangement
While the concept of the contingency fee is relatively simple, there are nuances to this arrangement that can make it more complicated. Take, for instance, the following situations that may arise:
A Sliding Scale Fee Arrangement
Under this arrangement, the attorney can change the fee depending on the circumstances of the case. For instance, if the case settles before a lawsuit needs to be filed, the attorney’s fees may only be 25%. However, if the case goes through trial, the lawyer may change the fee arrangement to 40% of the judgment awarded.
A Mixed Variation
Depending on the situation, some lawyers may ask for a reduced hourly rate for the work completed, even if their client loses their case. In addition, the attorney may also obtain a bonus that will be contingent on them settling or winning the case. This bonus can refer to a small percentage of the total amount recovered or include an additional hourly fee.
Verify the Fees Before Entering into an Agreement
While there are various fee arrangements you can enter into with a Land O’Lakes personal injury attorney, you always need to make sure the arrangement is put into writing and that you agree to the terms.
You should also verify that the fee is reasonable from an objective perspective. To help you better understand whether a specific fee is reasonable, consider the following factors:
- The time and work required by the attorney and their associates
- The challenges of the legal issues presented
- How much do other lawyers in the area charge for similar cases
- The total value of the claim
- The attorney’s reputation, ability, and experience
For More Information About Contingency Fees, Contact Weber Law Firm Today
If you were harmed in a Land O’Lakes personal injury accident and want to go over your legal options and how much hiring an attorney may cost you, consider reaching out to an experienced Land O’Lakes personal injury attorney at Weber Law Firm today. Our legal team can review your case for free, as well as go over your questions and concerns regarding our billing structure.