How do Attorney's Fees Actually Work in Personal Injury Cases?

When it comes to personal injury cases, one of the main concerns for many people is the cost of hiring an attorney. After all, no one wants to spend more money than necessary on legal fees, especially if they're already facing significant medical bills and lost wages due to their injury.

So, how do attorney fees really work for a personal injury case?

Contingency Fees

In many personal injury cases, and in all personal injury cases at the Law Office of Adam Futrell, your attorney will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we win your case and recover damages on your behalf. If we are successful in securing a settlement or judgment in your favor, they will take a percentage of the recovery as our fee.

The percentage that an we charge can vary, but it is typically around 33% of the recovery. This means that if you recover $30,000 in damages, your attorney's fee would be $10,000.

It's important to note that contingency fees typically do not include other costs associated with your case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records. These costs will generally be taken out of your recovery before the attorney's fee is calculated.

Hourly Fees

Some personal injury attorneys may also charge by the hour for their services. In this case, you will pay the attorney a set hourly rate for the time they spend working on your case. This can be a good option for individuals who have a relatively small claim or for those who are not comfortable with the contingency fee structure.

However, it's important to keep in mind that hourly fees can add up quickly, especially if your case becomes complex or goes to trial. It's always a good idea to discuss the hourly rate with your attorney upfront and to get a rough estimate of how many hours they expect to spend on your case.

Flat Fees

In some cases, attorneys may offer a flat fee for their services. This means that you will pay a set amount for the attorney to handle your case, regardless of the time they spend working on it. Flat fees can be a good option for individuals who have a relatively straightforward case and who want to know upfront exactly how much they will be paying in legal fees.

It's important to keep in mind that flat fees are not always available, and that they may not include additional costs such as filing fees and expert witness fees.

Conclusion

When it comes to attorney fees in personal injury cases, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of hiring an attorney will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case, the attorney's hourly rate, and whether they work on a contingency fee basis.

It's always a good idea to discuss the fee structure with your attorney upfront and to get a clear understanding of what is included in their fee. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether hiring an attorney is the right choice for you.