You’ve probably heard the claim before: “we don’t get paid unless you win!” What exactly does this mean? What can you expect when you hire a no win, no fee attorney? Will you have to pay any costs if you lose your case?
These are all valid and important questions. The amount you pay for legal services should be an important consideration when you are trying to find a personal injury lawyer to handle your personal injury claim.
We have put together a quick guide to help explain what it means to hire a no win, no fee attorney. We hope this guide is helpful in your search for an attorney to handle your case.
Contingency Fees in Personal Injury Cases
When you hire a no win, no fee attorney you are only responsible for paying his/her legal fees if your case is successful. In the most basic sense, a no win, no fee attorney’s compensation is contingent on the outcome of the case. This is why it is called a contingency fee. You will only be required to pay your attorney for his/her legal services if your case has a successful outcome. If your attorney is unable to recover any compensation in your case you will not be required to pay them.
Why would attorneys work on a contingency fee basis? There are a few reasons for this. First, attorneys will generally agree to take cases that they think will be successful. If an attorney believes that they can file a successful claim and recover compensation on your behalf, they will agree to work for a percentage of that recovery.
Second, attorneys know that personal injury accident victims may not have the money to pay for an attorney up front. One of the main reasons that victims file personal injury lawsuits is to recover the compensation they need to cover the costs related to their injuries. Personal injury accidents can be expensive. Victims are more likely to maximize the compensation they recover when they work with an attorney. Attorneys can agree to work on a contingency fee basis as a way to encourage victims to file claims. The fear of the cost of an attorney should not be a factor that prevents victims from recovering the compensation they truly need to get better.
Cost of a Contingency Fee Attorney
What can you expect to pay for legal services if your personal injury claim is successful? In most cases, a no win, no fee attorney will agree to work for a percentage of the compensation you are awarded. This percentage will vary based on the specific details of the agreement you make with your attorney. In most cases, you can expect to pay approximately one-third of the amount of your award to your attorney.
What events trigger your responsibility to pay your attorney? A case will be considered successful if you are awarded compensation. Compensation can be awarded in a negotiated settlement or a court-ordered award. The only way you will not be required to pay your attorney is if you recover nothing at all.
Costs You May Be Required to Pay Even If You Hire a No Win, No Fee Attorney
It is important to know that you may still be responsible for some costs even if you hire a no win, no fee attorney. You may be responsible for filing fees and other court-related costs. You and your attorney can review your financial ability to pay these costs. If you are unable to cover these costs on your own, your attorney may agree to deduct them from your award of compensation. These costs would be paid in addition to the percentage that your attorney would be paid for their work.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney For Your Case
If you have been injured in a Los Angeles accident you may be entitled to compensation. Your chances of maximizing your recovery will increase if you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case. There are thousands of attorneys who will be lobbying for your business. Not all of them will be right for you and your specific personal injury claim. The compensation arrangement should be one of many factors that you should take into account when searching for the best attorney for your case. If you cannot afford to pay an attorney out-of-pocket, you may want to consider hiring an attorney who will work on a contingency fee basis.
At Citywide Law Group, we understand the financial burdens that can follow an accident. We do not want the fear of the expense of an attorney to keep accident victims from asking for legal help. Working with an attorney will significantly increase your chances of a meaningful recovery. This is why our personal injury attorneys offer legal services on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid unless and until you win. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our fees and your case.