Contingency fees are a common practice in personal injury cases, but many people may not fully understand how they work. In simple terms, a contingency fee is a fee that is paid to an attorney only if they win the case for their client. This means that the attorney’s fee is contingent upon the outcome of the case – if they do not win, they do not get paid.
Contingency fees are typically used in personal injury cases because most clients cannot afford to pay an attorney upfront for their services. Personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming, and the cost of hiring an attorney can quickly add up. By using a contingency fee arrangement, clients can pursue their claims without having to worry about paying legal fees out of pocket.
In a contingency fee agreement, the attorney and client agree on a percentage of the final settlement or judgment that will be paid to the attorney as their fee. This percentage is usually around 33% of the total amount recovered, although it can vary depending on the complexity of the case and other factors.
One important thing to note about contingency fees is that they do not cover any out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the course of the case. These expenses may include court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical records costs, and other related expenses. Clients are typically responsible for paying these expenses regardless of whether they win or lose their case.
It’s also worth noting that some states have regulations regarding contingency fees in personal injury lawyer near me cases. For example, some states cap the percentage that attorneys can charge as a contingency fee, while others require attorneys to provide clients with written agreements outlining all terms and conditions of representation.
Clients should always carefully review any contingency fee agreement before signing it to ensure they understand all terms and conditions. If there are any questions or concerns about the agreement, clients should feel comfortable discussing them with their attorney before moving forward with representation.
Overall, understanding contingency fees in personal injury cases is crucial for anyone considering pursuing legal action after being injured due to someone else’s negligence. By knowing how these fees work and what to expect during the process, clients can make informed decisions about how best to proceed with their claims.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers
481 Highland Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011
973-577-5574
