Most lawyers charge an hourly rate for working on your case. They may also charge a flat fee for working on each project. However, like most injury firms, representation at Jones & Swanson works on a contingency fee basis.
What You Need To Know About Contingency Fees
A contingency fee basis prohibits attorneys from collecting fees unless they achieve a successful result. Contingency fees are typically only used in cases where a client is pursuing a financial settlement. Thus, family law and criminal defense cases may not offer contingency fees to clients.
Contingency fees are common for:
- Personal injury cases
- Workers’ compensation cases
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violation cases
- Employment law cases
- Defective product cases
According to the American Bar Association, a contingent fee arrangement refers to one in which the lawyer earns a fee only if the case is successful, and typically the fee is a fixed percentage of the amount recovered. This means, if you win the case, your attorney will receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. However, if you lose the case, you don’t owe the attorney a fee.
The amount of the fee can vary from firm to firm. For example, there are some heavy advertising firms that charge 25% or even less – these should be avoided. However, reputable and highly skilled attorneys charge higher percentages that can differ depending on the type of case and the stage at which the case resolves. For instance, many attorneys who handle medical malpractice or product liability cases charge as much as 50%. It is also common for the attorney’s percentage to be lower when a case is resolved without having to file a lawsuit, as opposed to those in which litigation becomes necessary. You should be sure you understand clearly the attorney’s fee structure from the beginning, that way there are no surprises when it comes to time to resolve your case.
Other Factors That Could Influence Contingency Fees
Out-of-pocket expenses may increase the contingent fee percentage. This refers to funds the firm must use when settling your case. Even if you take responsibility for these costs, they may never be recovered if your case does not achieve a settlement.
Factors that could impact the contingency fee basis include:
- Court reporter fees
- Mediation fees
- Expert witness fees
- Court filing fees
- Transcript fees
- Other expenses related to the case
Whether you win or lose, you will still have to pay these costs. If there will be extensive fees or complications regarding your claim, the contingency fee percentage may increase. It is important to consider the complexity of the case and whether it is likely to go to trial when determining contingency fees. Even if it will be a complicated, expensive case, a contingency fee can provide greater benefits than an hourly rate. Typically, lawyers with more experience charge more for their services. With a contingent fee basis, you can reach an agreement with your attorney on how much he or she will receive upon the successful conclusion of your case. This can save you money in the long run and provide a financial benefit.
Diligent Representation To Injured Clients In Georgia
At Jones & Swanson, we offer contingency fees to our clients. This means that we are able to represent our clients without any upfront costs, as our fee is simply a percentage of the gross recovery. In other words, our fee is generated based upon successful resolution of your case by way of either a settlement or jury verdict. If we do not recover financial compensation for you, you do not owe any legal fees or costs. We are also happy to front the expenses associated with appropriately prosecuting your claim.
With more than $50 million recovered in settlements for our clients, Jones & Swanson can provide efficient representation for your case. Whether you were injured in a car crash, animal attack, on-the-job accident, or other situation, we can discuss your options for pursuing compensation. Our Marietta personal injury attorneys are passionate about seeking justice for our clients. If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence or reckless actions of someone else, we can fight for your right to a financial settlement. Insurance companies will seek to offer the lowest possible amount for your claim. However, with our experienced services, you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you would like to know more about our fee structure, please contact our office and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients.
