Personal Injury Lawyer - Choosing the Right One
General February 17th, 2010If you have been injured in a car accident, but are not sure whether you need to talk to an attorney because you fear paying for a lawsuit, you may be surprised to find out that many personal injury lawyers will take on your case with no, or limited upfront fees.
No Fee Initial Meeting
Almost all personal injury attorneys charge no fees for the initial meeting, or consultation. This will give you an opportunity to meet with the lawyer, explain the situation, and get his opinion as to whether or not you have a legitimate case. Although you may want to find out what your case is “worth”, most lawyers will not give you a value on the case, because so many variables are so unpredictable.
What is a Contingency Fee Arrangement
Almost all personal injury lawyers will generally take a legitimate case on a contingent fee arrangement. What is meant by this, is that you do not need to come up with any money for the attorney in advance. The attorney will charge his or her fees from the liable party, or their insurance company, only when he recovers any money for you. If there’s no recovery with your matter, you won’t owe any legal fees. When you do negotiate a settlement or receive court ordered damages, the attorney then charges an agreed percentage amount of the overall settlement for legal compensation. The specific amount you will be charged may usually vary among attorneys, and can be set in a few states, but usually you will pay anywhere from 1/3 (33.3%) to 40% to the attorney, should you win an award.
Legal Costs
Under the law, as well as the legal code of ethics, all attorneys have to bill you for any costs incurred while pursuing your matter. These costs may include: police reports, doctors notes, court stenographer fees, and much more. Once again, lawyers have different procedures as to how they are reimbursed for these costs. Some may pay the expenses as they are billed, and then reduce the amount of your settlement. Others may bill these costs monthly as the claim moves forward.
Every attorney will have a client - attorney agreement which must list both parties obligation. You should make sure that you carefully review the contract before you retain any attorney.
Harry S. Bernstein has been representing personal injury victims and workers compensation clients as an experienced Cleveland, Ohio attorney for several years. Be sure to visit our Cleveland, Ohio attorney site to find out more information regarding your legal rights.
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