Personal Injury Lawyer
Anyone who has ever dealt with medical issues knows that there can be a great deal of stress. Not only are the physical and emotional effects of health problems evident, but there can be financial strain as well. If you are injured in an accident and believe the incident was due to someone else’s deliberate actions, you may wish to file a lawsuit. An experienced lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., can be your advocate in getting a settlement you deserve. Of course, hiring a lawyer requires a financial commitment as well.
The Average Fees
If you win your personal injury case, be aware that a chunk of your settlement will go to your attorney. Figures vary, but lawyers generally charge around 33% of your cash award. This means if the court finds the defendant liable for your injuries and you get a $10,000 payout, $3,300 of that will go to your attorney. Some lawyers may have lower fees, while others may charge 40% or more.
The Factors That Determine the Fees
The more experienced the attorney, the more they will likely charge for his or her services on your behalf. If you hire a lawyer that has been successfully representing personal injury clients for decades, you can expect to pay the 33% fee or maybe more. However, if you work with a lawyer fresh out of law school, the fees will likely be closer to 25% of your settlement amount.
Location, Location
Lawyers in larger urban areas tend to charge more than attorneys in rural towns and more remote locations. This is because in bigger cities, there is much more competition for legal services. Consider this when you’re looking for a lawyer.
Size of the Firm
Larger, more established legal practices will also take a larger cut of your settlement than a one-person shop would. If you hire a lawyer from a big law firm, it’s likely that this person will enlist the assistance of other lawyers in the case. This could drive up the prices.
What if You Lose?
If you do not win your personal injury case, you may not have to pay much for an attorney’s services. Before taking on your case, your attorney will likely sign a contingency agreement, which states you will not pay the lawyer until the case is over and unless you win a settlement.
Be aware of these financial factors in your case. You will then not be surprised when your final settlement is awarded.
