Contingency fees are a common payment method in personal injury cases. Instead of paying up front, the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case. This makes legal help more accessible for people who might not be able to afford traditional fees.
Fort Lauderdale is a busy coastal city known for its beaches, tourism, and heavy traffic. Because of its crowded roads, busy sidewalks, and active lifestyle, accidents such as car crashes, slip and falls, and dog bites happen often. With so many personal injury cases moving through the local system, people in the area frequently rely on legal guidance to navigate the process.
If you are searching for a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, understanding how contingency fees work can help you choose the right attorney. A good lawyer will explain the terms clearly, help you understand what you may owe, and guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal side.
Like anything else, contingency fees come with both advantages and disadvantages, so understanding how they work is important before making a decision. Keep reading to find out.
Most injured people are stressed. They may have pending doctor bills and car repairs, and they may not be able to work. They don't have to pay anything up front with a contingency fee.
Immediately, the attorney starts working with no need for the client to pay even a dollar. This makes it easier for anyone, regardless of the state of their bank account, to seek legal assistance.
Because the lawyer is only paid if the case succeeds, they have an incentive to:
Your win is their win. It instills a sense of teamwork.
If the lawyer loses the case, you don't owe them a fee. That means you aren't taking a big financial risk. This can give injured people peace of mind during a very stressful time.
Very good lawyers are very expensive. A contingency fee, however, allows those who cannot normally afford a top lawyer to access one. This helps to make the legal system fairer.
If you win your case, then the lawyer takes some of it. It can be anywhere from 30% to 40%, depending on how tough the case was. You do not retain all of the money, just what is left after the attorney's share.
For example, if you win $100,000 and your lawyer takes 33%, you get $67,000.
Some may want to settle quickly because the lawyer wants to get paid instead of fighting for the right compensation. That can also mean less money for you from a settlement, while the case might be worth more. A good lawyer won't do this, but it's something to watch out for.
Even though you don't pay the fee upfront, some law firms bill for things like:
Sometimes, these costs come out of your settlement money. Always ask your lawyer how they handle these extra charges.
