When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal process on your own. This is what personal injury lawyers are for. But how much does hiring one actually cost?
Here, you will understand how these legal professionals get paid and why discussing your case with an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer is essential if you want to get a fair compensation amount.
Most Personal Injury Lawyers Do Not Charge Upfront Fees
One of the most common fee structures used by personal injury attorneys is the contingency fee. This means that instead of paying an hourly rate or a retainer upfront, your lawyer will only get paid if they win your case and secure a settlement on your behalf.
So how does this work? Well, essentially, your lawyer takes on all the financial risks associated with pursuing your claim. They invest their time, expertise, and resources into building a strong case for you. And in return, they receive a percentage of the final settlement as their fee.
You don’t have to worry about coming up with large sums of money upfront or throughout the legal process. Your focus can solely be on recovering from your injuries and getting back on track. Under the contingency fee system, all legal fees are paid only once your case settles.
How Much Is the Contingency Fee?
Your personal injury lawyer’s fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount they secure for you. In most cases, this percentage ranges between 33% and 40%.
The Florida Bar limits attorney fees in personal injury cases. Fees above a certain percentage must be approved by the court. For example, if a case settles before the defendant answers the lawsuit complaint, the contingency fee is capped at 33 1/3% of a settlement up to $1 million.
Limitations on attorney fees provide an added layer of protection for clients who may already be dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens resulting from their injuries.
You Don’t Pay Your Attorney If You Don’t Win
In traditional fee structures, clients are responsible for paying their lawyers regardless of whether they win or lose. This can be problematic for individuals who may already be facing significant medical bills and other expenses as a result of their injuries.
By working with a personal injury lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis, you eliminate the risk of being left with hefty legal bills if your case is unsuccessful. It also ensures that your attorney has a vested interest in achieving the best possible outcome for you.
It’s important to note that while you won’t owe any legal fees if your case is lost, there may still be certain costs associated with pursuing your claim. These costs could include things like court filing fees, expert witness fees, or obtaining medical records.
Call an Experienced Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer!
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. However, you will need to hire an experienced lawyer to file your claim and negotiate your settlement.
Retaining an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney is essential to securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t let concerns about cost prevent you from seeking legal help after sustaining a serious injury. Reach out to us at 954-448-7355 and schedule a free case evaluation!
