When considering a lawsuit, attorney fees can be a big issue. Often, individuals decide not to hire an attorney because they believe the fees will be too high. In personal injury cases - where an injured person is suing an individual or company for their negligence in causing the injury - there isn't usually a fee upfront. In fact, if you lose your case, there isn't a fee at all.
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This type of fee is called a contingency fee, and it's contingent on the outcome of the case. If you win, you pay your attorney their fee. If you lose, you pay nothing. A typical fee is 1/3 of the amount you end up getting in the lawsuit, although it may be more or less depending on the type of lawsuit. For example, if a jury awards you $60,000, you will owe your attorney $20,000. If you settle out of court for $30,000, your attorney's fee will be around $10,000. If you get nothing, there is no fee.
While a $20,000 attorney's fee seems high to many people, keep in mind that you only pay if you win, so there is less risk for you. And you can afford to hire an attorney - the best attorney out there - regardless of your financial situation.
For the attorney, contingency fee cases are a risk. They may end up working hundreds of hours on your case for free. After all, if the case is lost, they get nothing. So why do they do it? They do it because of the possible reward for taking the risk - the 1/3 fee.
Attorneys tend to be more picky when taking on contingency fee cases than they are when considering an hourly fee case. The attorney wants to be fairly certain that they can settle or win your case. This can be frustrating for potential clients.
Why would an attorney turn down your case? One consideration is the injury. You need to prove injury in order austin moore stueve siegel to win your case. Also, a case without an injury - or with only a minor injury - isn't worth the risk for the attorney. For example, if you were given the wrong medication by the pharmacist and took it for a week before you noticed, you'll no doubt be angry. But unless you were injured, you probably don't have a good case. On the other hand, if taking the wrong medication caused a permanent condition or injury, you could sue for medical expenses, lifelong care costs, pain and suffering, etc. An attorney is more likely to take this case.
When deciding to hire an attorney, it's important to discuss all aspects of the fee upfront. Get your fee agreement in writing. Ask about any extra costs involved. Most established personal injury firms will cover all costs for you (filing fees, records requests, copying costs, etc.).
If you're still unsure about whether you want to hire an attorney for a personal injury case, set up an initial consultation with someone and ask about all your concerns. Initial consultations are almost always free, and you aren't obligated to hire that attorney after meeting with them. Look for an attorney who focuses their practice on personal injury, and someone who has past experience - and success - in cases similar to yours. These qualities don't guarantee a result, but they're a good place to start.
Print this list off and take it with you whenever you are going to interview a lawyer that you want to potentially hire.
I have seen, and heard of, many people that find a lawyer either online. the yellow pages or a referral from a friend. They go to see that attorney and they retain them right on the spot and then weeks later they regret the fact that they did not do any research first. Here is the bottom line, there are more quality attorneys out there than there are bad ones. The problem is we only hear about the bad ones. That is why I am suggesting that before you hire an attorney ask some questions. I have provided you with a good list to start with.