When you have been injured in an accident, you may be reluctant to hire a Sault Ste. Marie injury lawyer for fear of the cost of legal representation. When you are dealing with Injuries, medical bills, and mounting costs, you may be concerned that representation by a lawyer is just another cost that you cannot bear to deal with. You may be surprised to learn that having legal representation is not as costly as you may think.
Retainers
Personal injury lawyers charge in a variety of ways. Some may take a retainer. This requires that a client pay some form of fee up front in order to “retain” the services of legal counsel and then add other fees for each service they perform and the time expended to perform them.
Hourly Fees
Hourly fees are based on an agreed upon fee and billed at intervals based on the time the lawyer has devoted to each aspect of the claim. These fees can vary due to the complexity and the overall depth of the claim.
Disbursements and Reimbursements
Many personal injury lawyers charge for disbursements or out of pocket costs for which they ask for reimbursement. These can be for such things as document acquisition, telephone calls, or any other costs the lawyer has incurred in the pursuit of the claim.
Contingency Fees
This is a very difficult financial time for most accident victims. That is why many personal injury lawyers charge based on contingency. That means that the lawyer’s compensation is based on a percentage of what they secure for the victim. So how does this fee structure work?
Contingency fees don’t require any upfront costs for the victim. The risk then becomes that of the lawyer. If a lawyer does not win any compensation for his or her client then the risk is that they will be paid nothing for their time and effort.
Which is Best for the Client?
In most cases, a contingency fee arrangement is more advantageous for the client. At a time when an accident victim is already feeling financially overwhelmed and unsure of the future, a contingency fee arrangement with a Sault Ste. Marie personal injury lawyer ensures that the client does not have to worry about paying legal fees while potentially missing work and incurring medical expenses. If the case is not successful, the client owes nothing to the lawyer.
With a contingency fee arrangement, a lawyer is invested in getting the best possible settlement and compensation for the client. This allows for a certain piece of mind for the client when he or she knows that the lawyer has more incentive to work toward the best possible outcome. A client can feel confident in pursuing a viable legal and financial solution without the fear of legal fees hanging over his or her head.
Call a Professional
If you have been injured in an accident and would like to discuss your rights with a Sault Ste. Marie injury lawyer, call the legal professionals at AB Injury Law for a free consultation. We only work on a contingency fee basis. Let us show you how having representation can be your best option after an accident.