In short, you don't pay a dime unless your attorney handles your case successfully.
A General Definition
Quoting straight from the American Bar Association:
"In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage (often one third) of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client. If you win the case, the lawyer's fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money, but you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case."
Quoting straight from the American Bar Association:
"In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage (often one third) of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client. If you win the case, the lawyer's fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money, but you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case."
How It Should Be Handled
First of all, fees and costs are not the same thing. Fees generally refer to the attorney fee earned on the case and costs include such things as filing fees, court reporter fees, expert witness fees, or fees for copying and postage. These costs are separate expenses and do not come from the 33 and 1/3 attorney fee earned by your lawyer.
Next, a contingency agreement should always be handled in writing and signed by the client before the attorney pursues a case. The Florida Bar requires contingency cases to include written contracts. In this agreement, the client should be aware of any additional fees apart from the attorney fees - things like court and filing fees, copying and postage fees, fees for obtaining evidence, or fees for hiring expert witnesses. Also, If there is more than one law firm who will represent you, one lawyer from each law firm must also sign the fee agreement.
Finally, when your case is completed, it is Florida law that your attorney provide you with a written statement showing the outcome of the matter, recovery amount to the client, and an explanation of any fees and costs that were deducted from the settlement.
First of all, fees and costs are not the same thing. Fees generally refer to the attorney fee earned on the case and costs include such things as filing fees, court reporter fees, expert witness fees, or fees for copying and postage. These costs are separate expenses and do not come from the 33 and 1/3 attorney fee earned by your lawyer.
Next, a contingency agreement should always be handled in writing and signed by the client before the attorney pursues a case. The Florida Bar requires contingency cases to include written contracts. In this agreement, the client should be aware of any additional fees apart from the attorney fees - things like court and filing fees, copying and postage fees, fees for obtaining evidence, or fees for hiring expert witnesses. Also, If there is more than one law firm who will represent you, one lawyer from each law firm must also sign the fee agreement.
Finally, when your case is completed, it is Florida law that your attorney provide you with a written statement showing the outcome of the matter, recovery amount to the client, and an explanation of any fees and costs that were deducted from the settlement.
An Affordable Way to Hire an Attorney
Simply put, contingency fees provide immediate access to legal counsel without you - the client - worrying about getting a bill for their services each month.
Simply put, contingency fees provide immediate access to legal counsel without you - the client - worrying about getting a bill for their services each month.
Know Before You Sign
For personal injury and auto liability cases, most law firms in Florida charge a contingency fee of 33 and 1/3 percent of any settlement obtained. If the lawyer has to file suit in your case, the contingency fee can increase to 40%. Because the fees can vary based on the type of case or amount of money recovered, be sure to read and understand the attorney-client contract before you sign it. If you do not understand, always ask questions.
For personal injury and auto liability cases, most law firms in Florida charge a contingency fee of 33 and 1/3 percent of any settlement obtained. If the lawyer has to file suit in your case, the contingency fee can increase to 40%. Because the fees can vary based on the type of case or amount of money recovered, be sure to read and understand the attorney-client contract before you sign it. If you do not understand, always ask questions.
What's Best For You
As a Jacksonville car accident lawyer, Alisa Wilkes is much more interested in your recovery - physical and financial - than her gain. Call Wilkes & Mee today, and take a step towards your road to recovery.
As a Jacksonville car accident lawyer, Alisa Wilkes is much more interested in your recovery - physical and financial - than her gain. Call Wilkes & Mee today, and take a step towards your road to recovery.