If you have been involved in an accident in Pearland, it is crucial to retain the services of an experienced attorney for the success of your case. With their expertise in handling similar cases, your lawyer will enhance your chances of obtaining complete justice for your injuries.
When the topic of hiring an attorney arises, some victims may hesitate due to concerns about accumulating high legal costs. Fortunately, not all personal injury attorneys require upfront payment to represent your injury claim. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we understand that seeking justice may not be your top priority when it comes to spending money. That’s why we offer you the option to focus on your medical needs while we handle your case at no upfront cost to you. Additionally, we provide you with the flexibility to choose a fee arrangement that suits you best.
Here’s what you should know about how payment works for a Pearland personal injury attorney.
Every personal injury case begins with consultations between the victim (plaintiff) and their attorney. A free consultation provides an opportunity for you to explore, discuss, and exchange essential information about your legal claim without any financial commitment. Given that accident claims often involve a significant amount of time, it is crucial to retain an attorney you can trust.
The free consultation allows you to evaluate multiple attorneys before making a hiring decision. Some injury victims may switch attorneys during the course of their case, but this process can be complex depending on the involved law firms. To avoid such complications, it is advisable to select a seasoned, trustworthy, and dedicated attorney from the outset.
While legal services come at a cost, our Pearland injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that your lawyer will only receive attorney’s fees based on a percentage of the total settlement. If you obtain a settlement or a favorable judgment at trial, your attorney will retain a percentage of the overall amount as their legal fees. The specific percentage can vary from case to case, and it is important to discuss it with your legal counsel and carefully review the retainer agreement before signing.
Typically, contingency fees vary based on the complexity and workload of your case. Depending on your claim, your attorney will receive a predetermined percentage. If your case is resolved without the need for filing a lawsuit, the attorney’s percentage will be lower. However, if your case requires filing and litigation, possibly leading to a trial, the percentage will be higher.
Attorney’s fees may also differ depending on the type of case. For instance, in a medical malpractice claim, the settlement may be subject to various caps that restrict the maximum amount plaintiffs can receive. This can impact the amount retained by your lawyer.
While a contingency fee basis is the common and popular payment arrangement in accident cases, there may be alternative options available to you. Depending on your financial circumstances and mutual agreement with your lawyer, you may choose an alternative payment method such as hourly rates, mixed hourly rates, or a sliding scale contingency fee.
Under this approach, your lawyer charges you based on the hours spent working on your case. Both parties can agree upon an hourly rate or even a flat rate before initiating your injury claim. In most cases, this payment is made out-of-pocket, meaning you are responsible for covering all legal fees regardless of the case’s outcome.
In this scenario, your Pearland personal injury attorney receives payment through two methods. Firstly, they charge you a reduced hourly rate as mentioned in the hourly rate payment method. Additionally, they retain a certain percentage of the awarded settlement if you win the case.
The sliding scale contingency fee option allows your lawyer to receive a basic fee, while also receiving additional payment if they win the case. Remember, the payment method depends on your choices, and no attorney should coerce you into accepting a predetermined option.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we recognize the financial impact of being injured in an accident. Therefore, we aim to assist you in prioritizing your financial resources for treatment by offering a contingency fee basis that aligns with your needs. Contact us today to gain further insight into the payment process for a Pearland personal injury attorney.
