When you’ve been injured and the fault is on another party, it’s noteworthy to know that you have the right to seek compensation. And to efficiently do so, you need to hire a lawyer from any reputable personal injury firms in your area.
Now, here’s where victims typically get stuck: Can they really afford a personal injury lawyer when they’re already injured and they’re incapacitated to work and earn?
First and foremost, having an attorney by your side can help you get a higher amount of compensation. According to studies, victims who have hired lawyers received an average of 40% more payouts than those who didn’t.
Of course, this is on top of the expert legal assistance you will receive from such a professional. Attorneys who specialize in this field will help you lay out grounds for your claim and arrive — and fight for — a reasonable amount of compensation. The compensation you’re entitled to typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional damages.
Free Consultation
Personal injury firms know that not all personal injury victims can file for a claim. There has to be enough evidence first for them to make a strong case in your favor. Your situation will be assessed through an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney. For this service, many lawyers don’t charge any fee.
How Do Lawyers Charge
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you’re typically required to pay a fixed hourly rate. The rate depends on several factors such as the complexity of your case and the expertise or reputation of your lawyer.
Besides the by-the-hour fee, you also have to pay for other expenses necessary for your case — including research costs, expert witness fees, and filing fees among others.
What Is A Contingency Fee Agreement
Personal injury law firms understand how victims feel overwhelmed following an accident. This is why they commonly offer the so-called contingency fee agreement.
In a nutshell, this means that your lawyer will be the one to pay for the upfront costs. His or her fee will be dependent on the compensation you will receive; meaning, he or she will only request a portion of your payout. Depending on the success of your case, this will be a win-win situation for you and your attorney. But on the other side of the story — if your case will not be in your favor — your lawyer won’t also get compensated for his or her services as well.
And this is why lawyers who offer this kind of agreement are careful about choosing the cases they will take on. Straightforwardly speaking, they typically accept cases that are favorable for the victim.
The Importance of Contracts
Whatever the payment agreement will be, you should always put things in black and white. Ask for a contract and review all the details in there — including the manner of which you’ll pay your lawyer and the expenses covered the said fee.
Choose a credible lawyer from a credible firm: A firm that has a good track record and has the resources to protect their clients’ rights.
Bolger Law Firm is one of the leading personal injury firms today. If you need a lawyer who has the experience and best expertise on their belt, contact us today.
