Personal injury lawyer charges vary depending on different factors like whether it settles out of court or goes to trial. Most of the personal injury settlements are resolved without ever going to court.
Upon hiring, personal injury attorneys explain how much they will charge for their services and costs throughout a case. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate whereas others demand their remuneration after the client receives a settlement.
Injured people are already going through troubling times because of loss of work, the attorney fee may seem like another financial burden. Therefore, it is better to know what to expect in terms of lawyer’s fees in personal injury cases.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so, if the person does not have the money to pay for the legal services, he can agree to pay a portion from the settlement.
If the settlement amount is quite high and the person filing the lawsuit does not want a lawyer to get a percentage of it, choose to pay as per the hourly rate.
Lawyers charge different hourly rates as per experience and different factors. On average, the individual may have to pay $100 to $200 or more per hour.
Contingency Fee
Most personal lawyers establish a contingency fee agreement with the person filing the case. This agreement states the percentage of the settlement. This form of payment depends on the outcome of the case.
The attorney will not demand any money upfront for representing and expenses incurred for filing the case. The lawyer fee and the expenses are deducted at the conclusion of the personal injury case.
Contingency fees are certainly not cheaper, the lawyer may demand 33% to 40% of the recovered amount awarded after the court verdict. Not all lawyers charge one-third of the settlement, some may settle between the range of 25% to 33%.
After deducting the lawyer’s remuneration and costs, the client usually is not left with a significant amount to take home. Bear in mind, the contigency fee percentage is negotiable, you can ask the lawyer for a lesser percentage.
Should You Pay Contingency Fee?
Depending on the injury or accident, decide if it would be worthwhile to hire a lawyer on a contigency fee basis. If it is a small claim, the person can represent himself and file a case on his own behalf.
This decision will depend on how confident you are filing a lawsuit without the lawyer and how technical the other party’s defense is.
If the claim requires the help of a lawyer to increase the likelihood of getting desired compensation, negotiate for an hourly rate or reduced contingency fee.
Costs of Filing a Claim
In legal terms, ‘Cost’ is not equivalent to the lawyer’s fee but expenses incurred in handling the case. Personal lawyers usually cover costs and expenses of investigating the accident or injury case, negotiating settlements, and pursuing the lawsuit.
These costs include medical records, police reports, expert witness fees, postage and copying charges, filing fees, investigators and experts, depositions, travel costs, transcripts, and trial exhibits.
These expenses are deducted afterward from the share of installment or court award. As the lawyer receives the settlement cheque, he deducts his fee and the expenses, the remaining compensation is given to the victim.
Wrap Up
The fee and the costs associated with the case are explained and agreed on in advance. It is often the lawyer’s initial agreement with the client. Contingency fees vary between 25% to 40% of the total compensation awarded by the court. Undoubtedly, it is quite costly to hire a lawyer to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
