You have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. While you know you can seek compensation for your losses, you are worried about the cost of an attorney. How much is a personal injury lawyer? Can you afford to file a claim against the at-fault party?
If you need help navigating a personal injury claim, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to discuss your options with top personal injury lawyers in California.
Contingency Fees
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that their fees are contingent on them winning the case. Simply put, you won’t have to pay anything until and unless you receive a settlement from the at-fault party.
Having to pay upfront can discourage accident victims from hiring an attorney. The goal of a contingency fee is to allow you access to legal representation, even if you cannot afford it. Aside from this, it also motivates attorneys to do their best to obtain a settlement.
You don’t typically owe your attorney anything if you lose the case. However, it is important to note that some attorneys will require you to cover court costs and other expenses related to your case.
What Is the Average Contingency Fee?
Contingency fee rates tend to vary across law firms. While there is no set rule, most lawyers will charge 33-40% of your settlement amount for their services. This figure could change depending on:
- The type of case
- It’s complexity
- Projected settlement
- The attorney’s level of experience
- Your geographical location
- The size and reputation of the law firm
Every law firm is different. The best way to determine the average contingency fee rate in your area is to consult with several reputable attorneys.
Maximum Percentage in a Personal Injury Case
As mentioned, contingency fees are presented as a percentage of your settlement or award. There is no set dollar amount for which a personal injury attorney will represent you. However, personal injury lawyers typically charge 33.33% of the settlement amount. On the other hand, if your case goes to court, most personal injury attorneys will charge 40% to cover for the added costs and time. Your attorney can explain their fee structure during your initial consultation.
Court Costs and Other Fees
If you case needs to go to court, apart from attorney fees, there could be court costs and other case-related expenses. These include filing fees, administrative costs, transport, and expert witness fees. Who will handle these costs? You should discuss this with your attorney. This information is usually included in your formal agreement.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our primary goal is to recover maximum compensation for our clients. Whether or not we recommend filing a lawsuit, it depends on the specific circumstances of each client’s case.
Consult an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were involved in an accident, don’t let attorney fees prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Your case, like other personal injury cases, is subject to a statute of limitations.
Contact the law offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers at 888-542-6021 to discuss your case with one of our expert personal injury lawyers.