If you need legal representation after a car accident in Houston, you may worry about being able to afford an attorney. Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Gibson Hill Personal Injury takes cases on contingency, so you can get the legal help you need without upfront costs out of your pocket.
Is contingency fee similar to a flat fee?
A contingency fee is an arrangement where the client will only pay the lawyer if they get money for their case. Instead of charging a flat fee or an hourly rate, the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered in the settlement or lawsuit as their fee.
Contingency fees are often the standard in personal injury cases, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip and falls
- Medical malpractice, such as brain injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Wrongful death
The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the total settlement or jury award secured by your lawyer. What is the standard contingency fee for an attorney? Typical lawyer contingency fee percentages range from 33% to 40%, depending on the case’s specifics and whether you need to file a lawsuit.
For a contingency fee example, say you suffered injuries in a truck accident, and your lawyer negotiated a $100,000 settlement from the insurance company on your behalf. If your contingency fee agreement stated a 35% fee, your lawyer would receive $35,000. If your lawyer paid court costs and expenses on your behalf, those costs would be subtracted from the balance, and you would receive what’s left.
Advantages of Hiring a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency
The typical contingency fee model offers several benefits for personal injury clients:
No Upfront Legal Fees
Contingency fees eliminate the need to pay for a lawyer out of pocket. You do not pay any money upfront to retain the attorney’s services. This makes it easier for injured people to access quality, experienced legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Motivation to Maximize Your Recovery
Since the lawyer’s fee depends on winning the case, they are motivated to fight for the maximum compensation possible. Your attorney only gets paid if you do, so you can trust they will put in the time and effort needed to secure a favorable outcome.
Shared Risk
Contingency fees mean the lawyer only earns money if they successfully resolve your case. If they cannot reach a settlement or if they lose in court, you won’t owe any attorney fees. This shared risk gives clients peace of mind during an already stressful time.
No Hourly Billing
There are no hourly fees under a contingency fee agreement. With contingency fees, you avoid the uncertainty of hourly billing. Your lawyer’s payment comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket. You don’t have to worry about mounting legal bills as your case progresses.
What to Look for in a Contingency Fee Agreement
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to review your case. They will propose a contingency fee agreement if they believe you have a strong claim. This contract should clearly spell out critical terms like:
- The exact percentage the lawyer will charge as their fee
- Whether the fee applies to the gross or net recovery (before or after case expenses are deducted)
- Who is responsible for case costs if you lose
- The scope of the lawyer’s representation
- Whether the percentage changes if your case goes to trial
Read the contingency fee agreement carefully before signing, and ask questions about anything you do not understand. A seasoned attorney will take the time to explain the contract’s details so that you feel comfortable with the terms.
Contingency Fees Improve Access to Justice
Contingency fee arrangements increase access to legal services for low- and middle-income people. Many injury victims cannot afford to pay a lawyer hundreds of dollars per hour. Contingency fees allow everyone to hold wrongdoers accountable and pursue fair injury compensation.
However, it’s important to note that lawyers are selective about the contingency fee cases they accept. Because they will not earn a fee, lawyers are unlikely to take on matters with a low chance of success. During your free consultation, the attorney will honestly assess your claim’s strengths and weaknesses.
Some common factors lawyers consider when deciding to work on contingency include:
- Whether they can prove the other party’s negligence caused your injuries
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The total insurance coverage available
- The ability to collect a judgment from the at-fault party
Read more: How To Know If You Have a Personal Injury Case
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
If your contingency fee attorney succeeds in settling your claim or winning a verdict, you may be entitled to damages (compensation) for losses such as:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your lawyer will identify all potential sources of compensation, find expert witnesses, and gather evidence to prove the full value of your losses. Having an experienced advocate on your side can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
How to Choose the Right Houston Contingency Fee Lawyer
When searching for a contingency fee lawyer in Houston, consider these key factors:
- Relevant experience handling your specific type of case
- Proven track record of results
- Positive client reviews and testimonials
- Responsive communication
- Whether you feel comfortable telling the lawyer intimate details of your case
- Willingness to take your case to trial if necessary
Choose a lawyer you are comfortable working with and who takes the time to understand your specific needs. You want a dedicated advocate who will give your case the personal attention it deserves.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why our team works on contingency in all our personal injury claims. You won’t pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we win.
If the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else left you or a loved one injured, we are here to help. Our skilled Houston personal injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather vital evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Be sure to get legal help. In Texas, you have only two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations. Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury today at 713-659-4000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
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