Fees

In most cases, we do not ask for fees in advance. If we are able to recover money for you, you pay us a predetermined percentage of your gross settlement, verdict, or award at the time of settlement or verdict/judgment. The rest goes to you and others you might have to repay. This kind of agreement is referred to as a Contingency Fee – our fee is contingent on the outcome of our efforts on your behalf.

WHAT IS A CONTINGENT FEE AGREEMENT?

A contingent fee agreement allows a potential client easy access to the legal system.  Most insurance policies do not cover legal services.  This, combined with the hourly rate charge, sometimes makes it difficult for people to access and utilize legal services.

When a person is injured due to negligence or an accident, there is often a great need for the assistance of an attorney.  A contingent fee contract gives the attorney a financial incentive to thoroughly prepare and negotiate a client's case with minimal risk to the client.  While the client still bears the risk of "losing," he or she does not owe the attorney anything for legal services if no recovery is achieved.

The reasonableness of a contingent fee agreement can be reviewed by a judge/court upon written request by the client or the attorney and is governed by the following factors:

1. The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
2. The likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;
3. The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal service;
4. The amount involved and the results obtained;
5. The time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
6. The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; and
7. The experience, reputation and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services.