Have you ever been hurt in an accident? You could have the option of suing the responsible party. How much of your settlement will your lawyer receive if you succeed? Each situation is unique, but here are some basic guidelines about personal injury attorney fees to know before you get started.

Contingency Fee Structures Explained

A contingency fee is a percentage that’s taken out of your final settlement award if you win your personal injury case. Instead of paying your attorney up front to represent you, working on a contingency basis allows you to pay them out of your winnings. If your case is unsuccessful, your lawyer accepts the loss.

Contingency fees cover the costs of preparing your case and negotiating for you, like filing fees, the cost of hiring expert witnesses, and the cost of travel expenses.

The 33% Rule

Most personal injury lawyers will charge about 33% of your total winnings. You might be able to find a lawyer that charges less in some cases. However, cheaper lawyers are usually less experienced. Expect to pay more for an attorney with a strong track record of success or who specializes in the type of case you have.

Say your case settles for $1 million. Your attorney will receive $333,000, or one-third of the winnings. This leaves you with the remaining $666,000 less any applicable taxes or other related fees.

Benefits Of Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney On A Contingency Basis

When you hire a personal injury attorney that works on contingency, you don’t have to pay them any money to file your lawsuit. This makes legal representation more accessible to families who may be financially disadvantaged after being injured. Contingency fee arrangements give your attorney more incentive to work towards the best possible result in your case to get the maximum settlement award available.

Your lawyer can also help protect your interests and make sure you don’t end up getting taken advantage of during the process of negotiating your settlement. This is especially helpful in cases where you’re going up against a large business or insurance company with a robust legal team.

Chalker Injury Law can provide you with comprehensive and trustworthy legal representation on a contingency basis after you are injured. Call now at (678) 319-9991 or dial (800) 393-8595 toll-free to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys now.