Personal Injury Lawyer – Choosing the Right Lawyer

If you have been hurt , but are not sure whether you need to talk to an lawyer because you fear paying for litigation, you may be surprised to find out that many personal injury attorneys will take on your case with no, or limited upfront cost.

No Fee Initial Meeting
Almost all personal injury lawyers will not charge fees for the initial meeting, or consultation.  This will give you an chance to meet with the attorney, explain the situation, and find out his opinion as to whether or not you have a legitimate claim.  Although you may want to know what your case is valued at, most lawyers will not put a value on the claim, due to the fact that so many variables are highly unpredictable.

What is a Contingent Fee?
Most personal injury attorneys will usually take a valid matter on a contingency fee basis.  What this means, is that you do not need to come up with any money for the attorney in advance.  The lawyer will collect his or her fees to the liable party, or their insurance company, only if he wins an award for you.  If you do not prevail in your case, you don’t owe any lawyer fees. When you do arrange a settlement or receive a court ordered award, the attorney then charges an agreed percentage amount of your total amount for legal fees.  The exact percentage you will be charged could generally vary among lawyers, and could be set in a few states, but likely you will pay anywhere from 1/3 (33.3%) to 40% for legal fees, should you recover any compensation.

Legal Costs
Under the law, as well as the legal code of ethics, all attorneys must charge you for all costs incurred while pursuing your matter.  Such costs will include: police reports, doctors notes, court reporter fees, and much more.  Once again, lawyers differ as to how they are reimbursed for these expenses. Some will pay the fees as they incur, and then reduce the amount of your award.  Others could require that you pay these costs periodically as the matter moves forward.

Every attorney must have a client – attorney contract which will list each parties obligation.  You should be sure that you closely review the contract before you retain any lawyer.

Harry S. Bernstein has been representing personal injury victims and workers compensation clients as an experienced Cleveland, Ohio attorney for several years. Please visit our Cleveland, Ohio attorney site for more information on this topic.