Are you looking for a personal injury attorney? Finding the perfect one is only part of the process.
It would be best if you also prepared for the financial implications. The process comes with various fees and expenses depending on the specific details of your case.
No worries – I’m here to help!
As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people live their happiest lives.
With this mind, I created this article all about how to choose the best personal injury lawyer – or if you need a catastrophic injury lawyer.
First things first… If you are a personal injury victim, one of your first considerations when hiring a lawyer is whether you can afford them.
What Are Fees and Expenses For a Personal Injury Attorney?
You may be surprised to find out that payment is typically structured with no upfront cost. This means you can access the appropriate medical treatment without compromising your rights.
Hourly Fee Agreements
Some personal injury lawyers charge an hourly fee. However, hourly fee agreements are rare. In these cases, your lawyer will set up an hourly rate. You can then put down a deposit and sign a contract agreeing to the rate. Your lawyer will send you itemized statements with details of your time together.
Your deposit will be moved from your trust account as you work through it. Once you are out of funds, you will need to make another deposit. Some lawyers will send you a monthly bill instead.
Contingency Fees and the One-Third Rule
Most personal injury lawyers do not charge an hourly retainer or fee. They, however, work on a contingency fee basis. (Similarly to subrogation lawyers!) Contingency fees are exactly as they sound. They depend on whether your lawyer wins the personal injury case.
Usually, your personal injury attorney charges you only if you get the compensation you’re pursuing. They take a percentage of your compensation award. Attorneys that can settle a case before filing a suit will typically charge a third of your award. If your case proceeds to the point of filing, they may demand a higher contingency fee. However, the amount is usually negotiable.
Extra Court Expenses
You are likely to incur extra costs and expenses if your personal injury case is drawn out in court. The longer your case stays on trial, the higher your expenses. All personal injury attorneys have unique ways of charging extra fees, so be certain of what you are being billed for and inquire early on.
This is an important question to ask during your initial case evaluation. Some lawyers will deduct this fee from your financial payout. Others will request you to pay the fee separately. Here are a few charges you may incur in your claim:
- Court filing costs
- Travel costs
- Deposition expenses
- Expert witness costs
- Administrative costs like paying for postage and copying documents
- Investigation fees to collect evidence like medical records and police reports
The Potential Cost of Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t cheap. However, proceeding without legal representation can be even more difficult. Whether you have suffered injuries in a medical malpractice case or car accident, you can always benefit from working with a reasonable attorney.
Insurance providers are always looking to minimize costs, and medical expenses are rising. Being a victim can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to bear the burden alone. You owe it to yourself to get as much compensation as you deserve.
A personal injury attorney will ensure you get compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Their legal advice will put your mind at ease and help you prepare for the future.
If you have any reservations or questions, your lawyer can help you clear them on your first consultation.
Have you or your loved one been involved in an accident resulting in injury? You have a lot of things to handle right away. Things are incredibly complicated if you were hurt due to someone else’s carelessness or misconduct.
In addition to seeking medical attention, you must also think about seeking compensation. You may also have to deal with an aggressive insurance claims adjuster urging you to accept a settlement offer. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is your best option. Even though you may want to avoid the extra fee, it ultimately makes financial sense.
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