Jasmine Birtles
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How a Contingency Fee Lawyer Can Help You Win a Personal Injury Case
Moneymagpie Team
5th Aug 2024
It’s easy to be overwhelmed with negativity after getting into a car accident. After all, you have to focus on recovering from injuries. You must explain to your boss why you have been unable to work for a while. And you have to pay a pile of medical bills and other expenses. Not to mention getting your car fixed.
There is a way to recover some of your damages and expenses, at least. If the other driver was to blame for the accident, you can file a personal injury case against their insurance company.
Now, you are probably thinking: How would I pay for a lawyer to help me with that? You have some options here, too. Hiring a contingency fee lawyer can save you money and help you win your case.
A contingency fee lawyer is essentially a lifeline you can use to recoup expenses while you focus on your recovery. It is important to understand how these lawyers work and remember that their services are not free.
- How Do Contingency Fees Work?
- What Do Contingency Fee Lawyers Do?
- Benefits of Hiring a Contingency Fee Lawyer
- Choosing a Contingency Fee Lawyer
- Securing Your Future After an Injury
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
Many lawyers require upfront payments or charge by the hour. This is often unaffordable for plaintiffs who have medical costs to pay and who need to get their vehicles fixed.
Contingency fee lawyers arrange with their clients to take a percentage of their final settlement if they win the case. If you hire a contingency fee lawyer and you do not win your case, you do not owe the lawyer anything. However, in some cases, some fees may apply.
These fees may include:
- Deposition fees
- Costs to hire expert witnesses
- Administrative costs
- Court case filing fees
- Costs associated with obtaining medical records
Contingency fee structures make legal services accessible to anyone who cannot afford to pay a lawyer upfront. Lawyers who work for contingency fees often only specialize in personal injury cases. Some other legal cases, such as discrimination and harassment, may qualify for contingency fee structures.
It is important to note that the Florida Bar limits the amount of contingency fees lawyers can charge. The amounts vary according to the settlement amount plaintiffs are awarded.
If you hire a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, they must provide you with a signed copy of the fee agreement.
What Do Contingency Fee Lawyers Do?
Your lawyer will start building your case by conducting their own investigation into the accident or incident that caused your injuries and damages. They will gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Furthermore, your lawyer will take note of and document your injuries and ensure they have a copy of your medical records. You must assist your lawyer with evidence-gathering by providing proof of damages and financial losses.
If your personal injury case is complex, your lawyer may consider hiring expert witnesses to prove that your version of events is plausible. An expert witness can support your claim by highlighting the link between the accident and your injuries.
Contingency fee lawyers are also highly skilled negotiators. With a lawyer on your side, you will not have to negotiate with insurance companies on your own. Your lawyer can take care of all negotiations on your behalf.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will advise you to take your case to court. The lawyer will prepare all the evidence for your court case and represent you throughout the proceedings.
Experienced and skilled contingency fee lawyers are aware of all the factors that can impact the value of a personal injury claim. They will continue to work hard to avoid decreased compensation and ensure you are awarded enough to cover your expenses and losses.
A contingency fee lawyer will potentially work harder on your case compared to a lawyer who works on a retainer or hourly rate. The amount of effort your lawyer puts into your case can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Benefits of Hiring a Contingency Fee Lawyer
The money savings aspect is just one of the factors to consider when hiring a contingency fee lawyer. The other benefits include the following:
- More time to focus on recovery: If you suffer severe injuries, you will have a long road to recovery. The last thing you need is to worry about lawsuits and compensation. A contingency fee lawyer can handle every part of your case while you focus on getting better.
- Expert legal advice: Throughout the legal process, you will receive expert legal advice you do not have to pay for upfront.
- Lawyer costs are easier to predict: Your lawyer will demand specific compensation on your behalf. This makes it easier to predict how much of your award you must pay your lawyer. You may also be able to negotiate a lower fee.
- You do not have to shy away from taking a wealthy defendant to court: Sometimes plaintiffs are wary of taking wealthy defendants to court because of the excessive legal fees. Hiring a contingency fee lawyer removes this obstacle and makes a successful outcome even more possible.
Choosing a Contingency Fee Lawyer
If you want to work with a contingency fee lawyer to win your personal injury case, you must consider many factors. Ideally, you want to hire a lawyer specializing in personal injury law. This is important for ensuring your case’s validity.
Researching a lawyer’s reputation by reading online reviews is also crucial. If a lawyer receives mostly positive reviews, it is a good sign that they will work hard on your case.
If you book an initial consultation with a lawyer, take some time to determine whether the lawyer is responsive and willing to answer your questions. You must hire a lawyer who will keep you informed of the progress of your case.
Always ask about the terms of contingency fee agreements and get clarity on whether you will have to pay other fees if the lawyer does not win your case.
Securing Your Future After an Injury
A contingency fee lawyer can help secure your future as you recover from your injuries. You will have the support you need and most likely get the compensation you deserve. So, if you are planning to file a personal injury case, hiring a contingency fee lawyer may be the best decision you can make.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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