A Guide on the Typical Personal Injury Lawyer Fees

Have you received injuries due to someone else being negligent or reckless? Are you trying to figure out if you need a lawyer?

If so, understanding how personal injury lawyer fees and costs get paid can help you decide.

Here are some factors to consider.

Personal Injury Lawyer Fees

Most personal injury lawyers enter into contingency fee agreements with their clients. Contingency fee agreements describe how the attorney will get paid and how that amount will get determined.

It also explains what other costs will get paid out of your settlement. Medical liens and costs are two common items that will get deducted.

How Are Attorneys Fees Calculated

Typical attorneys fees for personal injury range between 25 percent and 40 percent of the total settlement. Often the percentage will start out lower then raise to a higher percentage if the attorney needs to file a lawsuit or take your case to trial.

The percentage is often determined based on the gross settlement amount or the net settlement amount. The gross settlement amount is the total settlement amount. The net settlement amount is the amount remaining after all costs and liens get paid.

The amount paid to you will be higher if the percentage gets calculated on the net settlement amount so try to negotiate for this with your attorney.

What Costs Can You Expect to Pay

Most personal injury attorneys will pay for the costs to pursue your case so you don’t have to come up with the money out of your own pocket. The costs will then get deducted from your total settlement amount later.

The contingency fee agreement will say whether you have to pay the costs later if your case doesn’t settle or your settlement amount is insufficient to cover costs.

Some costs are mandatory. For instance, if your lawyer needs to file a lawsuit to protect your rights of recovery, the courts will require a filing fee. Then the lawsuit will need to get served which will need a service of process fee.

Other costs are optional but may be required to get the full recovery possible for your case. Such as deposition fees, expert witness fees, and accident reconstruction experts fees.

Your attorney should be willing and able to give you a breakdown of other fees they expect to get your case settled. If you live in Houston or Austin, you can visit gibsonhillpc.com to get more information.

How Are Medical Liens Paid

Most states require attorneys to pay for medical services you received related to your case before giving the remainder of the settlement amount to you. Medical services include doctors, chiropractors, physical therapy, and other medical professionals.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Now that you understand more about how personal injury lawyer fees and costs can affect your case, you can determine if you need to hire a lawyer. Many lawyers offer personal injury clients a free consultation to discuss their case. So talk to a lawyer today.

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