One of the leading reasons people avoid hiring an attorney after an injury is because of the perceived cost. On top of the medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury, it’s no surprise people hold off on talking with a lawyer. It’s important to know that Wettermark Keith’s attorneys only take a fee if we obtain a settlement for your claim. This means that we work on a contingency basis. Here’s an example of how the fee structure works.
- The fee is a percentage of the gross recovery set up front in the contract
- The fee could increase depending on the complexity of the cases and the terms of the fee agreement signed at the beginning of the case.
- Additional case costs (e.g. filing fees, expert witnesses, etc.) are often separate and reimbursed from the recovery.
Hiring the right personal injury attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. By understanding the costs and fees associated with hiring legal counsel, you can make an informed decision about how to find an experienced personal injury attorney that will fight for your rights and work to pursue fair compensation..
Types of Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are very important to consider when it comes to legal representation so that you’re aware of costs associated with your case.
There is not a single way for attorneys to charge fees when handling a case. Instead, attorneys charge their clients differently depending on a few factors such as the type of case and how long your lawyer expects the case to last. Costs are usually broken into three types of attorney fees.
1. Hourly Rates
Personal injury lawyers don’t usually charge clients by the hour, however, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, they might work out a modified contingency fee with their client that includes some hourly charges. It’s important to note that hourly rates can vary depending on the specific attorney and your case. Some attorneys may charge more or less than the average hourly rate, depending on their experience and the details of your case. This is why it’s extremely important to do your research ahead of time in order to best understand any type of attorney fees that follow your case.
2. Flat Fee
Flat fee attorney charges refer to a billing method where an attorney charges a fixed fee for a specific legal service or representation. The fee is agreed upon upfront and doesn’t depend on the number of hours the attorney spends working on the case. This type of arrangement is common in estate planning and drafting wills, so personal injury attorneys rarely use flat fees.
3. Contingency Fee
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your attorney is only paid if your case results in a recovery. If your attorney does not obtain compensation for you, you typically do not owe any legal fees. Attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis when they expect the case to result in a recovery. A contingency fee is a percentage of the amount recovered in the case, and may vary depending on the attorney, and the complexity of the case. In personal injury cases, the contingency fee is typically around 33% to 40% of the total amount recovered. Wettermark Keith’s personal injury attorneys in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Panama City work on a contingency fee basis. This helps clients because:
- There are no upfront costs to you.
- If your case doesn’t have a successful outcome, you usually don’t owe attorney’s fees.
- The attorney is paid from a settlement or verdict, not out of your pocket.
- You can pursue a claim without worrying about ongoing legal bills.
Injury Attorney Costs vs. Injury Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are what your lawyer charges for their legal work on your case. Attorney costs are the out-of-pocket expenses required to build and pursue your case. These can include court filing fees, medical record requests, expert witness fees, deposition costs, and other litigation-related expenses.
Common costs associated with a personal injury case:
- Medical record fees
- Travel costs
- Court filing fees
- Costs for serving subpoenas
- Expert witness fees
- Mediation costs
- Shipping and postage
- Photocopying
- Other litigation-related expenses
These costs will come out of your final settlement amount.
No Win, No Fee Personal Injury Attorneys in AL, TN & FL
At Wettermark Keith, our results reflect decades of dedication to injured individuals and families, and have recovered more than $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact us 24/7 for a no-obligation, free case consultation by calling (877) 455-4518 or contact our:
- Personal injury attorneys in Panama City
- Personal injury attorneys in Knoxville
- Chattanooga personal injury attorneys
- Huntsville personal injury attorneys
- Personal injury attorneys in Montgomery
- Personal injury attorneys in Dothan
- Birmingham personal injury attorney
We have experienced personal injury attorneys in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Panama City, and are here to help you 24/7.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
