Contingency Fees Explained
We are often asked “how much will a personal injury attorney cost me?” The answer is – nothing out-of-pocket.
You may have seen a law firm commercial where a Sarasota lawyer enthusiastically proclaims that if you do not receive a settlement than you do not owe him or her anything. The truth is – that applies to virtually any personal injury attorney.
What is a Contingency Fee?
In personal injury cases, unlike in criminal defense and family law cases, your attorney’s compensation is based on a contingency fee arrangement. That means that instead of you paying your lawyer hourly, your lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement or jury award that he or she secures for you. If he or she does not get you a settlement or jury award, then you do not owe him or her anything.
The contingency fee arrangement is based on guidelines set forth by the Florida Bar, so any Sarasota personal injury firm you choose will likely follow the same fee percentage model.
What are the Benefits of a Contingency Fee?
The main advantages to a contingency fee model include
It allows victims, who may not be otherwise able to pay for an attorney, the ability to secure competent legal representation
It provides added motivation for an attorney to spend time and effort securing his or her client the highest settlement possible, as the attorney’s compensation is based on the quality of the settlement he or she achieves
The financial burden of pursuing the cause of action is shifted or, at the very least, split with, the attorney, as his or her client is not making any payment in the pursuit of a settlement.
Do Contingency Fees Apply to Family Law Cases?
No. Contingency fee models do not apply to domestic relations matters – nor do they apply to criminal defense cases. They are predominantly found in personal injury matters.
Do not let your decision on which law firm to choose be affected by an advertisement claiming that representation is cheaper because they operate on a contingency fee model. It would be challenging to find a personal injury law firm in Sarasota that does not operate on a contingency fee model.
Find a law firm that has experience. Find a law firm that does not fear the courtroom. Find a law firm that you trust.
To speak to a personal injury attorney in Sarasota County today, call the Casella Law Group at (941) 234-1432.