If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s likely that you are facing medical bills and other expenses, and often at a time when you can’t work. With no money coming in and lots of money going out, it’s natural to be worried that hiring an injury attorney in Fort Myers, FL will only make things financially worse. The good news is that personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis.
A contingency fee arrangement is when a lawyer agrees to work for you and take payment only if you win your case or successfully get a settlement. The lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of your settlement. This means you have no lawyer’s fees and owe the lawyer nothing if you lose your case. There are several other benefits to this arrangement, too:
Your Lawyer Is Incentivized to Tell You the Truth
With the contingency arrangement, your lawyer knows they will not get paid if the claim doesn’t win. As a result, a good lawyer will never take a case that they’re confident cannot be won. This means you can trust that your lawyer is telling the truth when they tell you that you have a strong case and it’s worth pursuing. They’re not just trying to get money out of you: they won’t get a dime unless they actually win.
Your Lawyer Is Incentivized to Work for You
The other great benefit of the contingency fee arrangement is that it incentivizes your lawyer to work hard for you. It’s not just a matter of winning the case or successfully bringing a claim. The amount of the settlement directly affects how much money they will make, and this gives them a strong incentive to always get you the maximum possible settlement.
FAQ
How Much Is the Standard Fee?
The standard contingency fee can be anywhere from 25% to 40% of your settlement, and ultimately it depends on how complex your case is, the amount of the damages you’re seeking, and whether the case has to go to court or not. If it’s possible to settle early, then the lawyer can usually take a smaller fee.
Will I Get a Decent Settlement After the Lawyer’s Fees Have Been Taken Out?
Studies have been done on this issue, and on average, plaintiffs who bring claims with the help of a lawyer usually walk away with larger settlements than those who don’t, even after the lawyer’s fees have been taken out of that settlement. It’s just so easy to get taken advantage of by an insurance company, and having a lawyer on your side is the best way to ensure your settlement is as large as possible and includes absolutely everything that you’re owed.
For help with your case and a free consultation, contact us today at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL. We also serve clients in Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Naples.