Can I Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?
In cases of serious injuries, the need for an experienced Cleveland personal injury lawyer cannot be overstated. Insurance companies are not humanitarian organizations. They are in business to make a profit. Reducing the cost of insurance settlements benefits the bottom line of these companies, and various strategies are used to pay out as little as possible. The injured and their families do not have the legal experience to correctly value a personal injury claim and could accept a settlement offer that is far, far lower than they deserve.
The injured citizen often may be in severe financial stress, hospitalized and unable to work, with medical bills piling up, often in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This situation leaves them vulnerable to accepting a settlement that does not reflect the extent of the losses. In these cases, a Cleveland personal injury attorney can take the reins in the case, negotiating with the insurance company – after valuing the case correctly.
How Does a Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer Get Paid?
Rather than charging an hourly rate, in personal injury cases, the attorney does not charge any legal fees until achieving a settlement or jury award. This type of payment is called a “contingency fee” and allows the injured individual the ability to be represented by a skilled attorney without paying out-of-pocket. Never engage the services of a personal lawyer that charges an hourly fee in a personal injury case!
Contingency Fees and Legal Counsel
A personal injury lawyer who takes on a case on a contingency fee basis has a powerful incentive to aggressively pursue a favorable outcome, as the lawyer will not be paid unless they win. This incentive drives the case forward, with the lawyer focused on negotiating the best possible terms in a settlement. If an insurance company does not come through with a fair offer, the case can move forward to civil court for resolution. The majority of personal injury claims are settled without filing a lawsuit, but, when necessary, you want to ensure your attorney has the trial skills and legal talent to craft a compelling case to present to a judge and jury.
What Percentage of The Settlement or Jury Award is Paid to the Attorney?
The terms of the legal fee payment are agreed before any legal action is taken. The fees can range from between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or jury award. If a case goes to trial, the percentage may be higher. Ensure you fully understand the fee structure with your attorney, who should be completely transparent. The good news is that even when paying a percentage to your personal injury lawyer, the amount recovered typically far exceeds the amount you could recover on your own.
What do Contingency Fees Cover?
The contingency fee the personal injury attorney is due covers a great number of expenses, including the attorney’s time and resources, filing fees, payment to expert witnesses, and some other costs. It is important to fully understand what costs are covered in the contingency fee, and if any costs are not. Your attorney should clearly explain how the fee structure works.
Get the Legal Help You Need.
The skills and quality of your personal injury lawyer are critical points in the success of your case. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in the Cleveland area, reach out to George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law for a free consultation. The legal team at the firm has over 50 years of combined experience, and has a reputation for legal excellence, and for dedicated, personalized care. Call (216) 621-3930 today.