Understanding what a contingency fee lawyer in Birmingham is will help you determine if you want to work with one on your case. In general, contingency fee attorneys come from personal injury law firms. They handle insurance claims and civil lawsuits arising from incidents caused by someone’s negligence.
If you were in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of injury accident, a Birmingham contingency fee attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for your lost income, medical bills, and other losses with no upfront costs. Instead, they are paid based on contingency.
What does “Contingency” Mean?
Contingency means “dependent on.” When discussing contingency fee lawyers, the lawyer is paid based on:
- Their ability to win your case
- If they recovered compensation for you
- The value of the claim or lawsuit
For example, imagine you are considering working with a car accident attorney after a recent traffic collision that left you with a broken arm and a concussion. Your attorney will prepare and file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. They will present strong support for compensation that covers your medical bills, lost income, car repairs, and pain and suffering.
Let’s say your lawyer recovers $10,000 for you. If their agreement with you says they get 25 percent, their attorney’s fees will be $2,500 and will come directly from your payout before you receive it. You will then receive the remaining $7,500.
If they do not build a strong enough case and do not recover any money for you, they will not receive any attorney’s fees.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Contingency Fees Ensure All Accident Victims Can Hire a Lawyer
Most personal injury law firms, including the Morris Bart law office, rely on a contingency fee structure. This is because it allows justice to be served. The goals of a civil case after an injury accident include:
- Holding the at-fault party legally responsible
- Recovering compensation for the victim
- Ensuring the victim is not left paying for damages caused by the negligent party
To this end, it would be difficult for many victims to pay hourly charges or cover a retainer if personal injury attorneys asked for money upfront. Many people have dozens of creditors asking for payments following a crash—from hospital bills to bills at home they cannot pay because their injuries keep them out of work.
Personal injury lawyers understand this. Victims need help pursuing and recovering compensation, whether through an insurance claim or lawsuit in a Jefferson County court or in another appropriate jurisdiction. They also know victims should not have to sacrifice even more to get that help. This is why many personal injury clients never pay their lawyer anything until the case is closed.
How do I Know How Much My Attorney Charges?
During your free case review, your lawyer will answer any questions about their services, prices, and other assistance the firm can provide. They will discuss the structure of their fees, including the percentage of your compensation they may receive.
If you have any questions later, you can feel free to ask. Your lawyer and legal team should not be shy about addressing any questions you have about the cost of your representation.
In general, you can expect to pay between a quarter and a third of your financial recovery to your attorney. However, there is no set industry standard. In addition, you may pay more if the case goes to trial. Your best option is to discuss it with your attorney and review your contract carefully before signing.
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When Can a Contingency Fee Lawyer Help With My Birmingham Case?
Personal injury law firms generally handle cases that involve:
- Victims who suffer physical or psychological injuries
- Incidents that occur because of someone else’s negligence
Some examples of personal injury incidents include:
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
- DUI accidents
- Pedestrian injuries
- Bicycle collisions
- Slip and fall injuries
- Birth injuries
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
If you believe someone else’s carelessness or recklessness caused or contributed to your injuries, you may have a valid personal injury case. Contacting an attorney for a free consultation is a good idea.
Call them as soon as possible after your injuries are stable. There are time limits on these cases. Most people in Alabama only have two years to sue, if needed, under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. In some circumstances, the deadline may be even shorter.
Speak to a Contingency Fee Attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC
At the Morris Bart law firm, we serve all of Alabama and have an office in Birmingham. We provide free consultations for accident victims. We can assess your legal options for seeking compensation and discuss how our team can help.
Connect with us today to learn more.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
