Hiring an Attorney on a Contingency Fee Basis is contributed by Walton Law, on July 19, 2024, as an online article at VibrantSeniorOptions.com
How hiring a attorney on a contingency fee basis can help retirees
Retirees can be reluctant to hire a lawyer because they don’t think they can pay for legal fees out of pocket. Obviously, lawyers operate businesses and are paid for the work that they do. However, in personal injury cases, attorneys often don’t require payments from their clients at the onset. Instead, they offer their services on a “contingency fee” basis
Contingency fee attorney arrangements allow retirees who have suffered personal injuries to hold those responsible accountable and get the compensation they deserve, even if they can’t afford an attorney upfront. This way, they can seek justice without the burden of a hefty monthly attorney bill that most other clients face.
What should retirees know about contingency fee attorneys?
A contingency fee is any fee for services payable only if there is a positive result. As a client of a Washington state contingency-based law firm, you will pay the attorney’s fees only after your case has a winning judgment or a settlement with a cash recovery. The fees are a percentage of the settlement amount you would receive if you win your case.
Whether your personal injury case results in an out-of-court settlement or goes to trial, your contingency fee attorney’s payment will be contingent on winning the case and you getting compensation. Although this type of pay schedule carries a major risk for the lawyer, it also gives them an incentive to work to get you the highest settlement possible as quickly as they can.
Personal injury litigation costs in Washington state
Every personal injury lawsuit incurs costs, including:
- Filing and court fees: Courts require an initial fee to file the case. Typically, the personal injury lawyer pays these fees upfront and seeks reimbursement through contingency fees if the case is successful.
- Discovery costs: Discovery is a litigation phase where parties exchange information about evidence. These costs involve gathering documents to support your claim, conducting depositions and hiring expert witnesses. Expert witness fees can constitute a significant portion of discovery costs.
- Miscellaneous costs: Additional expenses may include photocopying, postage and mileage costs.
The pros of a contingency fee arrangement
- Retirees will not make any upfront payments to the attorney; fees are collected from your awarded damages in the lawsuit.
- Attorneys have a strong incentive to win because they only get paid if they succeed.
- If you lose your case, you typically do not owe the attorney payment for the work completed.
The cons of a contingency fee arrangement
There are several drawbacks associated with contingency fees:
- You might pay the personal injury lawyer more than their hourly fee if you win a substantial recovery.
- For retirees who can afford hourly payments and believe they have a strong, high-value case, an hourly billing arrangement may be more suitable.
Discuss contingency fees with a personal injury attorney
Based on your new understanding of the contingency fee attorney arrangement, it’s time to focus on resolving your personal injury case. If you live in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish or Island counties, and if you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, the attorneys at Walton Law are ready to assist you. We are committed to fighting for the recovery retirees deserve.
Live chat with a member of our team by visiting www.waltonlawapc.com/ or call us at (360) 503-0231.
Walton Law, APC
Washington Office
360-503-0231
waltonlawapc.com
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