Are you worried that hiring an Orlando workers comp attorney will get you in deeper debt than the missed wages and medical care costs? The good news is that you do not have to pay anything upfront for experienced legal representation during your workers comp claim.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Here, we will explain what it entails and how much your lawyer will actually get in fees once your claim settles. Contact our law firm today to get the help you need.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
The contingency fee system is an arrangement between a lawyer and a client stipulating that the legal professional is paid only after they win the client’s case. The contingency fee is actually a percentage of the total settlement amount the lawyer negotiated on behalf of the client.
This system exists to give every person the chance to benefit from legal representation in workers compensation cases. It also motivates the attorney to give all their attention to each case. If they cannot win the case, lawyers who work on a contingency fee don’t get paid.
What Percentage Does a Workers Comp Lawyer Keep?
At this point, some injured workers are still in doubt about hiring a lawyer. What if they have to split the benefits with the attorney 50/50? Once again, there is no need to worry. Florida laws limit the percentage a lawyer can retain out of benefits won for clients.
According to Florida Statutes 440.34, an Orlando workers comp lawyer can charge the following fees:
- 20% of the first $5,000 of benefits the employee collects
- 15% of the next $5,000 of benefits
- 10% of the remaining benefits payable over the next 10 years
- 5% of the amount of benefits that accrue after 10 years.
This structured fee system aims to allow injured workers to retain as much as possible of their benefits while compensating the lawyer fairly for their work.
Are There Any Additional Fees?
Apart from legal fees, you may have to pay other additional expenses incurred by the attorney in the course of investigating and negotiating your claim.
These expenses may include:
- Getting a second medical opinion
- Hiring various expert witnesses
- Hiring a private investigator
- Filing fees or court fees
- Courier services
- Traveling expenses.
In most of the cases, you won’t have to pay these expenses upfront. Your lawyer will add them to the contingency fee and give you a detailed explanation for every dollar.
What If You Do Not Hire an Attorney to Negotiate Your Claim?
Trying to handle your claim on your own in the hope of retaining all the benefits is not a good idea. Workers without lawyers often get their claims denied. The insurance adjuster handling your case will make various claims, such as:
- You were not on the clock when you were injured.
- Your injuries are not covered by workers comp.
- You are exaggerating your injuries.
In reality, physical injuries from a workplace accident are covered unless you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also, the workers comp system is not fault-based. It does not matter if you were at fault for your accident, you are still eligible to collect compensation.
However, without an experienced lawyer by your side, it’s challenging to navigate the process and get the benefits you deserve.
Don’t Leave Your Claim to Chance. Contact an Orlando Workers Comp Attorney!
Let an experienced lawyer help you win the benefits you deserve after a workplace accident. You will get to keep a fair share of the amount the lawyer negotiates, instead of risking being left to pay for your medical care and get no replacement wages.
Call us now at 954-448-7355 to schedule a free case review with an experienced Orlando workers comp attorney and start your claim process!
