Contingency fees are how most personal injury lawyers ensure that injured victims are able to secure the legal help they need. That’s because you’re only charged for legal services if they recover the damages for a personal injury lawsuit. What you pay your lawyer is contingent upon their winning a settlement.
So, you may still be wondering how much it’s going to cost. Before you hire a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, both of you will agree upon the fee first. Again, if they don’t receive a jury verdict or settlement, you won’t owe them any money.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?
In Atlanta, the contingency fee an attorney receives may vary but usually ranges from 25 to 40 percent of the award. The average fee is about 33%. Therefore, if your settlement is $90,000 for an auto accident claim, your attorney will receive about $30,000. In turn, you’ll receive $60,000 after the attorney subtracts their fee.
Therefore, a contingency fee in a personal injury case provides a great incentive for a lawyer to recover the maximum amount for a settlement. You can also submit a claim for an amount you may not be able to afford in another type of case. Because you won’t pay anything unless you win the claim, the matter is less stressful financially.
Why a Contingency Fee is More Feasible
By charging a contingency fee, a personal injury lawyer provides his or her client with a more just and equitable system of compensation. If you’re facing high costs after an accident, you can afford to go forth and make a claim without worrying about the expense.
Setting Up a Fee Arrangement
To make sure an attorney and his or her client stay on the same page, an attorney will set up a fee arrangement. Doing so prevents any misunderstanding about the costs concerning their legal representation.
Make sure you’re clear about the costs at the start of your case.
A fee arrangement sets in stone just how much you will pay your attorney if they win a verdict or settlement. It will also outline any additional fees owed, such as expert witness fees, court filing courts, and charges assessed for obtaining medical records or for paying for an investigation.
Other Types of Legal Fees
Lawyers who don’t accept a contingency fee may accept a flat rate payment, compensation paid upfront, an hourly fee arrangement, or a retainer fee, with billable hours included on top. Unlike a contingency fee, where you don’t have to pay anything unless you win, you’ll pay these types of fees whether you win or lose.
Fortunately, if you want to file a personal injury claim, you can take advantage of the contingency fee payment that personal injury lawyers normally charge.
Call Us Today to Speak with an Atlanta Injury Lawyer
To learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit and paying a contingency fee, contact Slappey and Sadd, LLC about the details today. Call (888) 474-9616 to schedule a free consultation right away.