Injury In Idaho

Understanding Contingent Attorney Fees

Most attorneys who handle personal injury cases are willing to work on a contingent fee basis.   This means that the client does not pay any attorney fees until and unless the attorney obtains a monetary recovery either by way of settlement or after a trial.  Normally, in other types of cases, attorneys work on an hourly fee basis.  However, most persons who have been injured in an accident are not in a financial position to pay monthly attorney bills for the work that is being performed.

The typical contingent rate is one third of the money recovered for the client.

The contingent fee system gives the attorney the incentive to obtain the largest possible recovery for the client.  The larger the recovery, the larger the attorney fee.

Of course, attorneys who handle personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis must screen cases carefully.  If the attorney accepts a case where proof of liability or damages is lacking, he may work hundreds of hours and not get paid for his work.  It is also a disservice to an injured person for an attorney to create false hopes of a successful outcome if that is not a realistic possibility.

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