What to Know About Paying an Injury Lawyer on a Contingency Basis
Were you recently injured in an auto accident, and need to find a lawyer to help you with your case? If so, you may have been told that the lawyer's fees will be based on a contingency basis. Here is what you need to know about this agreement so that you have the proper expectations.
1. No Hourly Fees
One of the nice things about working with a lawyer on a contingency basis is that there will not be hourly fees. There will be no need to stress about how every conversation you have with your lawyer is costing you money since their payment is based on a percentage of your settlement. This means that your lawyer will get paid more money if they help you win a bigger settlement, so they have all the motivation they need to work hard and win their case.
2. No Payment If You Lose
Another positive aspect of working on a contingency basis is that you will not have to pay your lawyer their fee if you do not win your case. This can be both a good and a bad thing, depending on your particular case. Your lawyer must agree to take on your case, which will usually be decided on based on your chances of winning. If you do not have a strong case, it will be hard to find a lawyer to work for you on a contingency basis. This payment arrangement is typically done in cases where you are clearly not at fault, such as being rear-ended in a car accident, and there is little doubt about if you'll win your case.
However, be aware that there are other fees you may or may not be responsible for. Some lawyers will cover your court fees if you lose the case, while others will make those fees your responsibility. Make sure you know how those fees are handled when a lawyer works for you on a contingency basis.
3. Fee Range Is Based on Case Complexity
The percentage fee that a lawyer will take is typically based on how difficult the case is. If you have a case where the other party was clearly at fault for your injury, you may be able to negotiate a low fee because winning your case is likely. If it is much more complicated where a lawyer needs to prove you were not at fault, or explain a complicated injury, the percentage for their contingency fee could be higher.
For more information on handling your case, work with law firms that provide auto accident representation.
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