A personal injury lawyer will play a key role in your personal injury case. An attorney can help you seek financial compensation for the injuries you sustained because of another person or organization’s negligence or intentional actions. Just keep in mind that you need to pay attorney’s fees as you settle outside of court or file a lawsuit.
Continue reading to understand how lawyers charge for their services. Discover what contingency fees are and what other court costs are involved. Find the answers to common questions about attorney’s fees. Last but not least, learn how you can get a free case consultation with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases.
How Do Lawyers Charge for Their Services?
Every lawyer has their own payment arrangement. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee agreement, while others prefer to be paid hourly. Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you must clarify the cost of the personal injury lawyer and their preferred fee arrangement. Make sure to get an expenses agreement in writing to verify the personal injury lawyer’s cost from the start.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is the percentage of your personal injury settlement or court award that the lawyer will get. With a contingency fee agreement, you do not need to pay attorney’s fees until the settlement or award is disbursed. Many lawyers offer this system since it is not always easy for clients to pay an hourly rate while pursuing their personal injury case.
What Are Other Costs and Expenses in a Personal Injury Claim?
Aside from contingency fees, there are other costs you may incur as your lawyer handles your personal injury claim. The attorney may initially cover the expenses and subtract the total amount from your settlement or award. The miscellaneous costs involved in a personal injury case include the following:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Trial exhibits
- Transcripts
- Depositions
- Investigation expenses
- Witness fees
- Filing expenses
- Mail and postage fees
The longer your personal injury case takes to be resolved, the higher the costs will be.
FAQs
Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
Yes. It is certainly worth hiring a personal injury attorney since this legal professional can increase the chances of a successful personal injury claim. A lawyer specializing in personal injury cases can help prove that the other party is liable for causing your injury through negligence or deliberate action.
The attorney will negotiate with the at-fault person or organization and the insurance company on your behalf if you prefer to settle the matter outside of court. The lawyer may also represent you if you plan to file a lawsuit in court.
The personal injury lawyer is responsible for managing various tasks related to your case. These duties include, but are not limited to, collecting supporting evidence, handling legal communication, finding witnesses, conducting investigations, and preparing for a court trial. The attorney deserves to be compensated for the time and effort spent assisting you in pursuing your claim.
How Much Does a Lawyer Get Out of a Settlement?
The exact amount that a lawyer will get may vary based on different factors. One important factor is the percentage you mutually agreed upon when you and your attorney discussed your payment arrangement. Another major factor is the final amount of the settlement offer from the individual or entity that caused your injury, as well as the insurance company.
What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
Most personal injury lawyers will agree to take on a personal injury case for approximately 33% to 40% of the final amount of the settlement offer or court award. You may inquire about the exact percentage the attorney requests during your free case consultation.
Aside from this percentage, the attorney will also deduct the cost of the miscellaneous expenses accrued while handling your claim. The settlement check is typically sent to your lawyer, who will give you a list of the attorney’s fees and other expenses they subtracted from the total amount.
What Is a Typical Personal Injury Settlement?
The settlement amount for a personal injury claim may vary from case to case. Nevertheless, the general average for settlement payouts is $52,900. Most clients receive an amount between $3,000 and $25,000. Some clients may get a settlement offer amounting to more than $25,000. Your own settlement amount will depend on the severity of your injury, the skill of your lawyer, the cooperation of the at-fault party and insurance company, plus other related factors.