How do Personal Injury Attorneys Get Paid?

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Have you been involved in a car accident, have you slipped and fell while out shopping for the week’s groceries, or have you been seriously injured while riding a bike? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may have a personal injury case on your hands.

The last thing you may want to deal with is hiring an attorney. You’re more focused on your recovery, whether that comes in the form of a hospital stay, physical therapy, or emotional and mental health care. However, you may want to speak with an attorney to talk about compensation and paying for your medical bills, especially if your injuries have kept you from work.

Now, the first thought you may have is, “How am I going to pay for a lawyer?” And the answer may surprise you.

When it comes to personal injury cases, many attorneys will work on what is called a contingency instead of a set or hourly retainer. This arrangement offers many benefits to clients, including the exclusion of upfront costs. But what is a contingency and how does it work?

To start, a contingency is an agreement between the attorney and client on set terms for the case. Put simply, an attorney will not receive a fee for their legal services unless they are able to win their client’s case. The exact terms will range from practice to practice, but normally an attorney will request a percentage, usually around one-third of the total amount recovered from the settlement or court judgment after the trial has ended.

Other benefits to a contingency agreement include:

  • Free consultations

  • No retainers

  • No payment should the case be lost

This means a client will never have to pay anything out of pocket, win or lose. Whether a case goes to trial or is settled outside the courtroom, the attorney will work the case to the best of their ability, as they are motivated to deliver the best possible results.

If you have been involved in an accident and are seeking compensation or representation, the Law Offices of Geoff Rill may be able to help.

Contact us today to learn more.