If you were in an accident and are thinking about taking legal action, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is — How much does a personal injury lawyer cost? There is no single answer, as the cost for a lawyer can depend on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore what affects how much a lawyer costs, and when they send their bills.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Lawyers are paid on a contingency or at an hourly rate.
Contingency Payments
Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they are only paid if you win or settle your case. Contingency fees are typically between 25% to 40% of the final amount you are awarded.
For example, if you settle for $100,000 and your lawyer’s fee is 33%, you’ll owe $33,000 in legal fees.
Hourly Rates
Some lawyers bill for any time they spend on your case. This means time will be tracked and regularly billed if it is spent on any of the following:
- emails
- phone calls
- court filings
- research
- discovery hearings
- court proceedings
Factors That Influence Personal Injury Lawyer Costs
Now that you understand how a lawyer bills, we can look at the factors that affect the amount being billed.
- Case Complexity
The complexity of a case can have a significant impact on the personal injury lawyer cost. More complex cases require:- additional time
- extra resources (i.e. expert witnesses, accident reconstruction)
- Unforeseen Legal Challenges
New facts or evidence may arise during the investigation, leading to:- additional motions
- court appearances
- new depositions
- The Length of the Case
One of the key factors in determining how much a lawyer costs is the amount of time a case takes.- Some cases are settled out of court quickly
- Some cases require lengthy negotiations
- Some go to trial
- Additional Expenses While attorney fees often make up the bulk of the cost for a lawyer, there are other expenses to consider.
- filing fees
- court costs
- expert witnesses
- expenses related to gathering evidence (such as medical records or expert testimony)
Tips for Managing Legal Costs
To manage the costs of your personal injury case:
- Understand Your Lawyer’s Fee Structure: Have a clear discussion with your lawyer about how fees and additional costs will be handled.
- Negotiate Contingency Fees: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate the percentage your lawyer will take from the final settlement.
- Keep Track of Additional Costs: Ask for a breakdown of expected expenses like filing fees and expert witness costs to avoid surprises later.
Contingency vs. Hourly: Which is the Right Fit For You
Which billing option is better for you — contingency or hourly?
Contingency Fees
Expenses like court fees and expert witness costs can add up, especially in complex or lengthy cases. Contingency billing accounts for these costs in the final bill so you avoid unexpected expenses. With no upfront costs, this plan makes hiring a lawyer more accessible.
Hourly Billing
With hourly billing you’ll have regular insight into the work being done for your case. This billing plan also allows you and your lawyer to create a legal plan that fits your budget. With hourly billing though, any case “surprises” can stretch your bank account.
Knowing the cost for a lawyer can help you prepare for the financial commitment involved in pursuing a legal case. When you meet with a potential lawyer, discuss fees and billing upfront. With this information, you can make an informed decision about pursuing your personal injury claim.
Spivak & Sakellariou – Your Personal Injury Lawyers
If you are looking to be compensated after an accident, you’ll want to call a personal injury lawyer you can trust. The team of Alan Spivak and George Sakellariou have years of experience helping victims in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As you consider your legal options and need to know how much does a personal injury lawyer cost, schedule a free case consultation to find out.
