How Much of the PI Settlement Goes to My Attorney?

Attorneys differ in how they are compensated from other professions, and from one law firm to another. Often a lawyer will charge clients an hourly rate for his or her services. Whenever they are working on your PI settlement, the meter is running. Consequently, your legal costs can skyrocket in a difficult case that requires a lot of preparation.

The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer who worked under such an arrangement could quickly account for a large portion, if not all, of your awarded compensation. And with no guarantees of a successful disposition of your claim, you would be liable for the legal expenses even if you come up empty in the courtroom. That is not a payment arrangement we would recommend.

Your personal injury attorney should be willing to work on what is called a contingency basis. Under such an agreement, your lawyer only receives a fee if he or she can successfully win you compensation in your PI settlement. A percentage of the award would be retained by your attorney directly from the compensation check. You would have no out-of-pocket expenses whatsoever.

The percentage that a personal injury attorney will vary, most often between 33 and 40%. In any case, it should be clearly stated up front before you hire them. A contingency agreement benefits you in one other important way. It provides an added incentive for the law firm to vigorously prosecute your case so that they don’t come up empty in the courtroom.

Also, when a personal injury attorney working for a contingency fee agrees to take on your case, you can be assured that they see merit in your case.

Hire a PI Lawyer Who Will Earn It

Whatever percentage contingency fee your personal injury attorney asks for, you should first know that you are hiring a law firm that will work for you with all their dedication and resources. Your lawyer should offer consultation with legal and financial experts to help you determine the extent of your losses, to ensure you are adequately compensated.

The law offices of Edwards & Patterson are just that sort of legal team you need, a team dedicated to winning you a compensation that will alleviate your losses. You’ve been through enough already. Let us do the rest.