Do Personal Injury Lawyers Work On Contingency?

Personal injury is a common type of legal case that many people find themselves involved in at some point. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer and how they work. One question that often comes up is whether personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis.

Contingency fees are a common practice in personal injury law, but not all lawyers work this way. Understanding how this payment structure works can help you decide if hiring a personal injury lawyer is the right choice for you. In this article, we will take a closer look at what contingency fees are, how they work, and how they can benefit you as a client.

Yes, personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case or negotiate a settlement on behalf of their client. The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award, and the lawyer covers all expenses related to the case until it is resolved. This arrangement allows injured individuals to access legal representation without having to pay upfront costs.

Do Personal Injury Lawyers Work on Contingency?

What is Contingency?

Contingency is a legal agreement between a lawyer and their client. It means that the lawyer’s fee is contingent on the outcome of the case. In other words, the lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful.

For personal injury cases, contingency fees are common. This is because many people who have been injured cannot afford to pay a lawyer’s hourly rate. Contingency fees allow injured people to access legal representation without having to pay upfront.

How Do Contingency Fees Work?

When you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to pay the lawyer upfront. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement or award if your case is successful. This percentage is usually between 33% and 40%.

If your case is not successful, you do not have to pay the lawyer anything. However, you may still be responsible for court costs and other expenses related to your case.

Benefits of Contingency Fees

Contingency fees have several benefits for injured people. Firstly, they allow people who cannot afford legal representation to access justice. Secondly, they incentivize lawyers to work hard on their client’s case. Because the lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful, they have a strong motivation to get the best possible outcome for their client.

Finally, contingency fees align the interests of the lawyer and the client. Both parties want the case to be successful, so they are working towards the same goal.

Contingency Fees vs. Hourly Rates

Hourly rates are another way that lawyers can charge for their services. However, for personal injury cases, hourly rates can be prohibitively expensive. In addition, hourly rates do not incentivize the lawyer to work efficiently or to get the best possible outcome for their client.

Contingency fees, on the other hand, align the interests of the lawyer and the client. The lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful, so they have a strong motivation to work hard and get the best possible outcome for their client.

What Expenses are Covered by Contingency Fees?

Contingency fees cover the lawyer’s fee for representing you in your personal injury case. However, they do not cover other expenses related to your case.

These expenses can include court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other costs related to your case. Some lawyers will cover these costs upfront and deduct them from your settlement or award. Others will require you to pay these costs upfront.

Expenses Covered by Contingency Fees	Expenses Not Covered by Contingency Fees
Lawyer’s fee	Court filing fees
Expert witness fees	Other costs related to your case

Conclusion

Personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful. Contingency fees have several benefits for injured people, including allowing them to access legal representation without having to pay upfront. Contingency fees also incentivize lawyers to work hard on their client’s case and align the interests of the lawyer and the client. If you have been injured and are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is worth considering a contingency fee arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal injury lawyers are known for providing legal representation to clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. One of the most common questions that clients have when seeking a personal injury lawyer’s services is whether they work on a contingency basis or not. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions related to this topic.

What Does “Contingency Basis” Mean?

When a personal injury lawyer works on a contingency basis, it means that they will not charge any upfront fees for their services. Instead, they will take a percentage of the settlement or jury award that the client receives if they win the case. This arrangement is popular because it allows clients who may not have the funds to pay for legal representation upfront to still have access to quality legal services.

It’s important to note that if the client does not win the case, the lawyer will not receive any payment. This means that the lawyer takes on the risk of not getting paid in exchange for the potential reward of a percentage of a large settlement or jury award.

What Percentage of the Settlement/ Award Does the Lawyer Take?

The percentage that a personal injury lawyer takes from a settlement or jury award can vary. However, it is common for lawyers to take between 25% to 40% of the final settlement or award. The exact percentage that the lawyer will take will be discussed and agreed upon with the client before the case begins.

It’s essential to read and understand the fee agreement before signing it to avoid any misunderstandings later. Clients should also ask any questions they may have related to the fee agreement and the lawyer’s services before signing.

Are There Any Other Fees That I Need to Pay?

When working on a contingency basis, personal injury lawyers typically cover the costs of the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. However, some lawyers may require their clients to pay for expenses related to the case, such as medical record fees or deposition fees.

It’s important to ask the lawyer about any potential expenses that you may need to pay for before signing a fee agreement to avoid any surprises later.

What Types of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Work on a Contingency Basis?

Personal injury lawyers typically work on cases that involve injuries resulting from car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and other accidents that were caused by someone else’s negligence. These lawyers may also work on cases that involve product liability, wrongful death, or workplace accidents.

It’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine if they will take your case and if they will work on a contingency basis.

What Are the Benefits of Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer on a Contingency Basis?

Working with a personal injury lawyer on a contingency basis can be beneficial for clients who may not have the financial means to pay for legal services upfront. It also allows clients to have access to quality legal representation without having to worry about the costs of the case.

Additionally, personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency basis are motivated to win the case since their payment is dependent on it. This means that clients can feel confident that their lawyer is working hard to get them the best possible outcome.

Do Personal Injury Lawyers Work On Contingency – Andy Harmon Personal Injury Atty

In conclusion, personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment if they win the case. This arrangement benefits clients who may not have the financial means to pay for legal fees upfront.

Contingency fees also incentivize lawyers to work hard and win the case, as their payment is directly tied to the outcome. This can lead to better outcomes for clients and a greater sense of accountability from their legal representatives.

However, it’s important to note that contingency fees typically come with a higher percentage of the settlement or award, so clients should carefully consider the potential costs and benefits before hiring a personal injury lawyer. Ultimately, the decision to work with a contingency fee lawyer should be based on individual circumstances and a thorough understanding of the legal process.