Before clients decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, they want to know “What does a personal injury lawyer cost?” The answer to this question can often mean the difference between hiring a personal injury lawyer or attempting to settle a claim on your own without a personal injury lawyer.
Every Personal Injury Law Firm Is Different
It’s crucial for you to know that every personal injury lawyer charges clients differently. That being said, you will commonly find that a personal injury lawyer will only cost you something if they are able to get a settlement or a jury verdict for you. However, even then, whether a lawyer or law firm charges a percentage (and what percentage) can make all the difference. The answer to the question “What does a personal injury lawyer cost?” will be found in each personal injury lawyer’s Engagement Letter. The Engagement Letter is where you will find not only what the lawyer is committing to do for you, but also what their fees are for that work. Lastly, it should be very clear in the Engagement Letter whether you owe the personal injury lawyer if they fail to obtain a settlement or jury verdict for you.
Simply Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer About Their Fees
Every lawyer should feel comfortable discussing fees with you. Additionally, a lawyer should be able to give you a clear answer when it comes to questions about fees. If you can’t get a clear answer, it’s probably a good sign you should speak with another personal injury lawyer. If your lawyer is paid a percentage of your total settlement or jury verdict, you’ll want to know what percentage. You’ll also want to know if you owe them anything if they are unable to get a settlement or jury verdict for you. An example might be where a personal injury lawyer is only owed a percentage if they are able to obtain a settlement for you. However, if they fail to obtain a settlement or jury verdict for you, the Engagement Letter may state that you must reimburse the attorney for any out of pocket expenses. Lastly, out of pocket expenses can be substantial if the lawyer paid for an expert to give an opinion about your accident, or paid a medical doctor for their opinion in a deposition about your injuries. All of these aspects will help you determine “How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?”
When Does My Personal Injury Lawyer Get Paid?
Your personal injury lawyer most often will get paid the same time you get paid. In the case of a settlement, the insurance company will send a check. The attorney will deposit the funds into their trust account. Then, a settlement statement will be drafted. It will show where every penny is going. Lastly, it will include the attorney’s fee in the list of payments.
Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you call our firm and ask “How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?” we can only answer for our firm. That being said, we would be happy to discuss our fees with you, and help to provide you some guidance. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or slip and fall, we can help you understand your rights. The call is free and we’re here to help. You can call us at 704.749.7747 or click for a FREE CONSULTATION by sending us a quick request.