Are Personal Injury Attorneys Expensive?
If you have been injured through the negligence or wrongdoing of another, your best chance of recovering the maximum compensation available is to have an experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer at Justin Morgan Law handle your claim. Some injury victims are reluctant to hire an attorney because they are concerned about the cost. When seeking legal representation for serious injuries, it is important to understand how Personal Injury Attorneys get paid. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no fees until we recover compensation for you.
What are Contingency Fees?
Contingency fees are legal fees that are only charged if the attorney wins the case and recovers compensation for the client. Once the case is won and compensation is recovered, the attorney takes an agreed-upon percentage of the total recovery.
What are the Advantages of Contingency Fees?
Contingency fee arrangements have several advantages for clients:
- They make quality legal representation more accessible: Under contingency fee agreements, many personal injury law firms can provide legal services to injury victims with no upfront costs.
- They provide shared motivation to fight for the maximum compensation: Attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis earn more when they recover more compensation for their clients. Both attorney and client are motivated to obtain the best possible results.
- There is minimal financial risk for clients: In the event that your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be left with a large bill for attorney fees.
What Percentage do Personal Injury Attorneys Get Paid?
The State Bar Association of Florida regulates contingency fee agreements in personal injury cases and caps the percentages attorneys can charge for their services. The caps are different, depending on whether the case is settled prior to a lawsuit being filed. Fees for a Florida Personal Injury Attorney typically range between 25% and 40% of the total settlement.
What does the Contingency Fee Cover?
Contingency fees typically cover the attorney’s time and resources, plus any fees associated with the case. These may include filing fees, expert witness fees, investigator services, mediation expenses, deposition costs, and other expenses. These fees and costs are typically deducted from the final settlement, so clients do not have to pay out of pocket. It is important to carefully review your contingency fee agreement with your attorney so you know what is covered and what is not.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Available damages in a personal injury case will depend on the circumstance and the nature and severity of your injuries. Common damages include past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning potential, and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation.