About Attorney Fees and Costs
Attorney fees vary depending on the type of legal matter being handled for the client. Fees can be hourly, flat rate, or on a contingency basis. No two cases are alike, so fees are usually based on what is involved in the handling of the case or on the specific legal services requested.
For example, basic business incorporations and will packages are usually handled on a flat rate basis. Family law cases are usually handled on an hourly basis, plus actual out of pocket costs. Out of pocket costs include items such as court fees, long distance phone calls, postage, and photocopies.
If you would like more detail or have questions about your particular situation, just call me. There is no charge for the initial consultation. After the initial consultation, and if it looks like I can help you, then we’ll talk about fees and costs.
Attorney Fees for Auto Accident Claims
Most law firms charge a contingent attorney fee (a percentage of your money recovery) to handle auto accident cases. If there is no recovery, there are no attorney fees.
Attorney fees charged for auto accident cases vary among law firms. Therefore, it pays to shop around to find not only an experienced lawyer to handle your claim, but also a law firm that charges a competitive contingency fee. As an example, some law firms charge 33% of the total money recovery if the case is settled without a trial; 40% if a trial occurs; and 50% if there is an appeal of the claim.
Our firm charges a flat attorney fee of one-third (1/3) of the money recovery whether there is a settlement or trial. If there is a new trial or an appeal, the percentage goes up. See your contract.
The bottom line is to find an experienced lawyer with reasonable attorney fees. After all, you, the accident victim, deserve the lion's share of the settlement, not the lawyers.
What Are the Costs Involved in Accident Claims?
All law firms pass on charges to accident victims for court costs and costs to obtain the client's medical records and reports. In order to settle your claim, we will need to obtain a copy of your hospital and doctor records. This typically costs $150 to $300 per medical provider. Also, a doctor's report is needed to determine if you will have any continuing disabilities. The costs for doctors' reports vary, but are generally $750 - $1500 per doctor.
Most claims settle out of court, but if a lawsuit is necessary there is usually a filing fee of approximately $300. Other court costs may include the cost to serve the court papers on the defendant, deposition fees, and expert witness fees. If the claim goes through trial, the total costs average $5,000 to $6,000 for a simple case with the testimony of one doctor, and can be much higher.
Some law firms ask the client to pay a retainer (money paid in advance) to cover these costs. Other firms ask the client to pay these costs as they occur, and still others allow the client to wait to pay the costs until the settlement is received. We do not advance these costs. You will also be charged for investigator fees, long distance phone calls, fax copies, postage & photocopy expenses.
If you would like more detail or have questions about your particular situation, just call me. There is no charge for the initial consultation. After the initial consultation, and if it looks like I can help you, then we’ll talk about fees and costs.