If you are seeking legal representation in Greenville for a personal injury claim, you are probably wondering: How much do personal injury lawyers charge? One main reason people hesitate to seek legal representation is the costs. After all, how are you supposed to get an attorney on your case when you don’t have the money?
Most Attorneys Work Under a Contingency Fee Agreement
The good news is that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay them money if you win your case. Attorneys collect their fees from the final settlement amount, so you don’t have to worry about paying for their services upfront. The benefit of a contingency arrangement is you can seek legal representation without the stress of wondering how you will pay. If you do not receive any money, you won’t have to pay your attorney their fee.
A contingency fee is also a kind of incentive for the attorney. They only get paid if the case settles or receives a verdict, so they have a vested interest in pursuing the claim efficiently and to the best of their ability. Attorneys are also incentivized to push for as high a settlement offer as possible, which ultimately means more money for the injury victim.
What Is the Typical Contingency Percentage?
The exact value varies depending on the firm and the exact case, but the percentage for attorney fees typically falls between 33 and 40 percent of the final settlement amount. For example, if the final settlement is $100,000, the attorney will take between $33,000 and $40,000, while the rest goes to their client.
Attorneys may provide a standard contingency rate on all cases or a sliding contingency percentage that varies depending on the case’s complexity and length. For example, attorneys may charge a higher fee if the case goes to trial in a lawsuit.
How Do Personal Injury Attorneys Collect Their Fees?
In most cases, an attorney will simply deduct their fee from the final settlement. Once you accept a settlement, the insurance company will write you and your attorney a check for the total amount. The attorney will deduct their fee from this amount as well as any other costs you may still owe for injury-related medical expenses. You will then get a check for the rest of the remaining amount. This way, you don’t actually have to worry about paying the attorney yourself after getting a settlement — they will take care of that part for you.
Other Payment Models for Personal Injury Attorneys
Contingency fees are the most common payment structure personal injury attorneys use, but not the only one.
Retainer Fee
A retainer fee is an upfront fee some attorneys charge to guarantee your access to their services. Typically, an attorney will subtract legal fees from a retainer fee until it is completely gone. After that, they will move to an hourly rate or charge you another retainer fee to keep their services.
Hourly Rate
Other attorneys may instead charge a basic hourly rate for services. This rate can differ depending on the specific legal task and the length of the required services. For instance, an attorney might charge a higher hourly rate for lawsuit proceedings than for managing a personal injury insurance claim. Attorney hourly rates can vary widely between $100 and over $500 an hour.
Flat Fee
If the case has a predictable length and structure, an attorney might charge a flat fee for services. Flat fees are more common for criminal cases that have a more predictable timeline. They are much less common for personal injury claims, which can vary in length from a few months to over a year.
Hybrid Model
Other attorneys might use a hybrid model that combines various aspects. They may charge a reduced hourly rate in addition to a reduced contingency fee at the end of the case. Some attorneys charge a flat fee upfront and an additional hourly rate after a specific length. When you hire your attorney, they should provide a clear and detailed outline of their payment model.
Attorney Fees vs. Other Fees for Personal Injury Cases
Note that the contingency fee is solely the attorney’s fee. If you don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay the lawyer fee, but you may still have to pay other fees related to pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Other fees and expenses from a personal injury lawsuit include:
- Evidence fees. For traffic cases, you typically have to pay a fee for police accident and crash reports. There is usually some kind of research or processing fee for requesting other types of evidence.
- Fees for medical records. Medical providers might charge a fee for access to medical records and copies of expenses.
- Coroner fees. In wrongful death cases, you may have to pay a coroner fee for autopsies, body transportation, and storage.
- Filing fees. Most circuit courts charge a fee to file civil documents. The fee for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Greenville County is $150.
- Deposition fees. Relevant experts, such as doctors and medical professionals, usually charge a fee for obtaining depositions.
- Mediation fees. Greenville County requires all injury cases to go to mediation before a trial with a judge and jury. Parties can hire a private mediator or use a court-appointed one for a fee.
Some attorneys may cover these fees and accept reimbursement from the settlement, but that’s not universal. Make sure you understand which fees your attorney will cover and which are your responsibility.
Compassionate & Committed Personal Injury Attorneys in Greenville
At Maxey McFarland Law, we dedicated ourselves to making a meaningful difference in our clients’ lives through our tireless advocacy for the injured. Our law firm is prepared to do everything in our power to win your case and recover the full amount of compensation you are owed. What’s more, we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case, so there’s no risk on your part in asserting your rights. Contact us online or call (864) 900-4231 today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Greenville, South Carolina.
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