If you’ve been in an accident, your first thought after the initial shock subsides and the dust settles might be, “How much is this going to cost me?”
It’s an unfortunate reality for many people. They deserve to seek justice for their injuries, but not everyone has the financial resources to devote to the task, let alone on top of new medical expenses, lost wages, and the overall toll that comes with a sudden and life-altering crisis.
Understanding this, some lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay your lawyer unless they win your case. When it comes to personal injury cases, offering to work on contingency can be the difference between someone being able to seek justice for their suffering and never pursuing their claim at all.
Do Attorneys Work For Free? Contingency Fee Agreements And Structure
If it sounds too good to be true that someone would work on your behalf for free, it isn’t. If you’re wondering, “What’s in it for my lawyer?” think of it like a partnership. They’re investing time and resources into your case because they’re confident they can win. Their payment hinges on successfully recovering compensation for you, so their interests are totally aligned with yours.
Suppose that you do win your case. How much does your attorney get? It depends in part on the individual and the practice, as different lawyers offer different rates, but it usually follows the same basic structure.
First, there are no upfront costs. You won’t have to pay an hourly rate or a large retainer fee before your case begins.
Your attorney’s fee is mostly made up of a percentage-based payment. That means they’ll take a predetermined and agreed-upon percentage of the settlement or court award you receive when you win. Whatever the percentage is, it will be clearly stated by your attorney and in any contract you sign before representation begins.
The percentage your lawyer takes can depend on a variety of factors, like the complexity of the case, the potential recovery amount, and the jurisdiction where the case is filed. Some lawyers will put a cap on the dollar amount they’re able to take from your winnings.
In some cases, the contingency fee agreement might also cover certain legal expenses related to your case, like court filings, expert witness fees, and other investigation costs. Make sure you clarify with your attorney what expenses are covered in the agreement before you move forward.
And again, if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe your attorney anything — not even legal fees. They assume the risk. If you walk away empty-handed, so do they.
Clear Advantages Of A Contingency Fee Agreement
Considering how common it is for people to suffer financial hardship following an injury, a contingency fee arrangement can be a lifesaver. Beyond the obvious benefit of avoiding hefty upfront fees, this fee structure provides peace of mind and helps foster a strong attorney-client relationship.
One of the biggest benefits is the reduced financial risk on the whole. Knowing you won’t owe legal fees even if your case isn’t successful means you can pursue justice without fear of sinking into further debt — a really intimidating prospect if you’re already drowning in medical bills and have lost income.
Also, because of how this agreement aligns your interests, your attorney is even more incentivized to get the highest possible recovery they can for you. Some might think, if they’re working “for free,” why would they invest as much (or more) of their time and resources into the case?
True altruism is involved, and these lawyers want to help struggling people get the justice they deserve. They also have a lot on the line, though, and they stand to gain from a big win.
Think about it: if you worked in sales, and your whole commission for that quarter rested on selling one item, you’d work hard to push that product, wouldn’t you? By working on contingency, your lawyer is motivated to get you the biggest payout possible because their own payment depends on it.
Getting Justice Served
Contingency fees are just one way that lawyers try to break down the barriers that prevent people in need from getting what they deserve. Whether you’ve just been injured or you’ve been fighting by yourself for a while, you’re up against a lot. Having legal representation can be an invaluable tool not just in moving things forward but also in securing a positive outcome.
Getting justice for what you’ve suffered shouldn’t come down to money. Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers today at (912) 335-1909 or shcedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us walk you through how a contingency fee arrangement can make pursuing your claim a reality.