If you are hurt in an accident you will most likely have medical expenses and maybe even lost wages. This will impact your financial status even as you take time to heal.
You may be asking should I hire a personal injury lawyer near me to help, but maybe you are worried about more costly bills. The good news is having an attorney on your side to fight for your rights usually isn’t expensive.
Here is what you can expect.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are many reasons you might want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. Injuries from a car accident, a slip and fall incident, a dog attack, or injured due to a faulty product, you probably have a good case for help from an attorney.
You will have so many questions while you are trying to heal and the insurance companies and even other lawyers will be bombarding you with questions and trying to settle.
You want someone on your side to protect your interests and get you the compensation you need to handle all of your medical bills, any lost wages and pain and suffering. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer is your first step to getting your life back on track.
How Much Does It Cost
The good news about personal injury lawyers is that most of them work on a contingency fee. This simply means they do not get paid until there is an agreed settlement.
The other bit of good news is that they will not take a case they do not think they can win. So if an attorney is willing to represent you, there is a good chance you will get a momentary settlement.
How Does a Contingency Fee Work
As stated above, a contingency fee means the lawyer will not get paid until there is a settlement. However, the fee will vary from lawyer to lawyer.
Many contingency plans start with a 30% payout if settled before filing a lawsuit. insurance companies do not like going to court and many are willing to settle way before it comes to that. If your personal injury lawyer has the right evidence in your favor, you could get a settlement offer right away.
Once the settlement offer is accepted, the lawyer will take 30% off the top and you will get the rest. That is their payment for the work and negotiations they put in on your behalf.
If the case does end up in a lawsuit, the fee may go up to 40% because of the extra work. You should always discuss upfront all the details of their fees.
What About Court Costs
When a case cannot be settled and has to go to court, you will be responsible for the court costs and all related documents. This could include expert witness statements, police reports, medical records, etc.
It will be up to you and your lawyer if you must pay for them upfront, or if they will come out of the settlement fee at the end.
Protect Yourself
Whenever you are hurt in any type of accident that wasn’t your fault, you should seek the help of a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
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