Contingency Fees
If you plan to pursue a personal injury case, you’re probably worrying about the costs. The average person may be unable to afford the upfront costs of legal action against a negligent party.
Regarding personal injury law, there are a few different fees that lawyers can charge their clients. One common type is the contingency fee. Contingency fee arrangements ensure that the client doesn’t have to worry about upfront costs and can focus on their recovery.
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we understand that the costs of legal services are a significant point of stress for clients. This is why we work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today to discuss how a contingent fee will work in your case.
What Are Contingency Fees?
A traditional contingency fee arrangement is a form of payment to a lawyer for their legal services. This fee is charged when the lawyer agrees to take on a case but only gets paid if they win or receive a settlement.
What Are the Benefits of Contingency Fee Agreements?
There are a few benefits of contingency fees. One advantage is that it allows people who may not have a lot of money to afford a lawyer still have access to legal representation.
Do You Have to Pay a Contingency Fee Upfront?
No, you do not have to pay a contingency fee upfront. Contingency fees are only paid if the lawyer wins the case or receives a settlement.
Why Don’t All Lawyers Use Contingency Fees?
Some lawyers don’t follow a contingency fee agreement for several reasons:
- There’s always a risk they won’t get paid.
- The client may feel like the firm is getting paid too much.
- Fees are delayed until the settlement is collected from the other party.
What Is a Non-Contingency Fee?
A non-contingency fee is a type of fee where the lawyer charges an hourly rate, flat fee, or retainer for their services. The lawyer does not get paid a percentage of the settlement or award if they win the case.
What Are Some Alternatives to Contingency Fees?
Some alternatives to contingency fees include:
- Hourly rate: The lawyer charges an hourly fee for their services.
- Flat fee: The lawyer charges a flat fee for their services.
- Retainer: The lawyer charges a retainer fee and hourly rates or flat fees for their services.
What Happens If the Lawyer Doesn’t Win the Case or Get a Settlement?
If the lawyer doesn’t win the case or get a settlement, they don’t get paid. The client may owe the lawyer other expenses, such as court fees, but they will not owe the contingency fee.
What Is a Typical Contingency Fee Percentage?
Contingency fee percentages may change depending on the personal injury lawyer. However, a typical contingency fee percentage is 33.33%. The lawyer will get 33.33% of any settlement or award if they win the case.
Other Legal Fees to Consider
When you are considering hiring a law firm, you should also consider other fees that may be involved. These fees can include:
- Court filing fees – Every state has different court filing fees. In Virginia, there are various factors to consider when filing a lawsuit that may impact how much these expenses are. However, they are typically over $200.
- Discovery costs – Discovery gathers evidence and information from the other side in a lawsuit. This can be done through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
- Obtaining evidence – Retrieving copies of public documents and medical records can cost up to a few hundred dollars in a case.
- Expert witnesses – If your case goes to trial, your lawyer may need to hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. These witnesses can be expensive, and their fees will typically be in addition to the contingent fee you pay your lawyer.
Contact Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci for a Free Consultation
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we work with our clients on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. If you have questions about the specifics of our contingency fee arrangement and how we can help you with your case, contact us today for a free consultation.
