What Are Contingency Fees?
Request Free ConsultationIf you are worried about affording a accident lawyer in St. George after your accident, contingency fees might be the answer. This payment structure allows you to pursue justice without adding financial strain to an already difficult situation, ensuring that quality legal representation remains accessible regardless of your situation. Contingency fee arrangements can vary from firm to firm, so it is important to carefully review all contracts and ask the right questions so that you understand your obligations.
How Contingency Fee Arrangements Work in Personal Injury Cases
Under a contingency fee arrangement, your St. George personal injury attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case. Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring upfront payments, your lawyer takes a predetermined percentage of your final settlement or court award. This percentage typically ranges from 25% to 40%, depending on the firm’s policies, the complexity of your case, and whether it settles out of court or goes to trial.
This arrangement aligns your attorney’s interests with yours. Because they only receive payment when you win, they have a stronger motivation to work diligently on your behalf and secure the maximum possible compensation. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal complexities, knowing that their payment depends entirely on achieving a favorable outcome for you.
Additional Costs and Expenses You May Be Responsible For
While contingency fees cover your attorney’s services, you may be responsible for additional case-related expenses. These can include court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval, investigation expenses, and deposition costs. Most attorneys will advance these expenses on your behalf, meaning you won’t pay anything out of pocket during your case.
However, these expenses are typically deducted from your final settlement or award once your case concludes. If your case is unsuccessful, you may be responsible for these costs. Policies can vary from firm to firm, so make sure to clarify these terms to avoid unexpected financial obligations.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contingency Fee Agreement
Before entering into any legal agreement, you should have complete clarity about the terms and expectations. A reputable attorney will welcome your questions and provide transparent answers about their fee structure and case handling procedures.
Consider asking these important questions:
- What percentage will you take from my settlement or award?
- How do you handle case expenses, and when am I responsible for them?
- What happens to these expenses if my case is unsuccessful?
- Will your percentage change if the case goes to trial?
- What costs are considered separate from your contingency fee?
- How will you keep me informed about case expenses as they accumulate?
- What happens if I decide to change attorneys during my case?
Begin Your Legal Journey with We Win Injury Law
Taking the first step toward justice doesn’t have to drain your bank account or add stress to your recovery process. Contingency fee arrangements make professional legal representation accessible when you need it most, allowing you to pursue the compensation you deserve without upfront financial risk.
In Utah, most personal injury firms work on a contingency fee—including the lawyers at We Win Injury Law. We are committed to providing you with transparent, honest legal representation so that you can make informed decisions about your case. Contact us at (435) 688-9558 to discuss your case and learn how our contingency fee arrangement can work for your situation.