How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge for Cases?
If you have recently suffered property damages and/or physical injuries due to an accident, your family members and friends have probably urged you, without hesitation, to seek legal advice. After all, you are definitely eager to be compensated for these inconveniences. Still, after you take a long look at your boatload of insurance papers and medical bills, you are probably worried about another bill coming from a possible lawyer.
So should you bother to seek out help for a case that might not be settled? In short, the answer is “yes,” as personal injury lawyers are willing to take a leap for your favor. Here is a closer look at how much these lawyers charge for cases.
The Basics of Contingency Fees
Unlike other attorneys, who generally charge clients by the hour, personal injury lawyers accept a contingency fee, a percentage of compensations which their clients will receive for punitive damages. If you win a case in court, your lawyer will take a certain percentage from your winnings, which ultimately serves as his/her fee. In the event that you don’t win a case, you won’t pay a fee but will have to provide compensation for services.
Keep in mind that the contingency fee agreement is only set in motion in the event that a case focuses on the claiming of money.
Format of a Contingency Fee Agreement
Even on the grounds of a single case, contingency fees can vary widely. However, the most common form is the one-third fee (33.3%), but lawyers and various jurisdictions may change this rate depending on the complexity of the case itself. Likewise, court systems can also determine the contingency fee for a lawyer.
For example, if you won $90,000 (after a $10,000 reduction from $100,000), your lawyer will receive $30,000 of that money, leaving you with $60,000.
Remember, though, that this type of payment only works if high claims are at stake in a lawsuit. If the amount in a case is $50,000 or less, the attorney may risk losing profits.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Syracuse, New York
As you go about your daily business, life can take a dangerous turn when you suffer from a severe injury. From slip-and-fall accidents and chemicals burns to traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, you can potentially face a horde of problems due to the negligence or ill intentions of one or more people. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries after enduring an accident of some sort, you will no doubt feet terrified and unsure of what steps you should take next.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of a wide variety of accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.