After any type of accident, it’s wise to consult with a local personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, property damage, and pain and suffering. During your initial consultation, you will probably hear the phrase “contingency fee” when discussing the price of retaining the attorney’s services. The contingent fee is the most common form of payment arrangement for plaintiffs seeking representation in personal injury cases. Clay, Massey & Associates, like most plaintiff personal injury firms, handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
How Does a Contingency Fee Work?
In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client once the case is settled. If you win the case, the lawyer’s fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose the case, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money, and you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case.
Benefits of a Contingency Fee Agreement
- Contingency fee arrangements provide a means for people who cannot afford a lawyer to access the civil justice system and pursue fair compensation for injuries and damages.
- Contingency fees help to weed out cases that lack substantial merit. Experienced lawyers will not waste their time on a lawsuit that does not have enough merit to justify an investment of their time.
- The contingent-fee agreement spreads the risk of litigation. The attorney shares that risk and is only paid a fee if he wins the case or obtains a settlement.
- The arrangement ensures that the attorney believes in the client’s case and will do the work necessary to obtain a positive result.
Costs and Expenses
Win or lose, the client must still pay related fees, such as court and litigation costs. These additional expenses could include fees for things like filings with the court, obtaining police reports, obtaining and preparing medical records, hiring expert witnesses, copies of deposition transcripts and conducting an investigation. Many personal injury lawyers will cover costs and expenses and then deduct them from your share of the settlement. Other lawyers will require you to pay these costs upfront.
When is the Contingency Fee Paid?
It is common practice for the settlement check to be sent to the lawyer. Your lawyer will contact you when he or she receives the settlement check. Before you begin working together, your lawyer should also explain the amount he or she intends to deduct from your settlement check to cover lawyer’s fees and costs and expenses.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been injured because of the negligent acts of another person, seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. At Clay, Massey & Associates, we have the experience and the commitment to fight for your case’s most expedient and favorable outcome. To schedule a FREE consultation with our office, call us at 251-433-1000 today.
