When someone gets injured due to the negligence or fault of another person or entity, they may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, pursuing a personal injury case can be expensive, and many people may not have the resources to pay for legal fees upfront. To solve this problem, many personal injury lawyers in Connecticut offer contingency fee arrangements. In this article, we will explain what contingency fees are and how they work in Connecticut personal injury cases.
Table of Contents
What Are Contingency Fees?
A contingency fee is a type of fee that a lawyer charges for their services in a personal injury case. Rather than charging their client an hourly rate or a fixed fee, the lawyer will only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict if they win the case. This means that the lawyer is taking on the risk of not getting paid if they lose the case, but potentially earning a higher fee if they win.
Contingency fees can benefit clients who may not have the financial means to pay for a lawyer upfront, as they do not have to pay anything out of pocket until they receive compensation. Additionally, contingency fees align the interests of the lawyer and the client, as the lawyer only gets paid if the client gets compensated.
In Connecticut, contingency fees are regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. Rule 1.5 of the Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct allows contingency fees in personal injury cases, but sets limits on the percentage that a lawyer can charge.
How Do Contingency Fees Work in Connecticut?
Contingency fees in Connecticut personal injury cases typically range from 25% to 40% of the total amount recovered. The exact percentage can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the likelihood of success, and the experience and reputation of the lawyer.
If a lawyer and client agree on a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer will typically advance the costs of the case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and investigation costs. These costs may be deducted from the settlement or verdict, along with the contingency fee.
It is important for clients to understand that they may still be responsible for certain costs even if they do not win the case. For example, if the case goes to trial and the client loses, they may be required to pay the costs of the trial, such as court fees and witness fees. However, most personal injury lawyers will work with clients to minimize their costs and only pursue cases that have a high likelihood of success.
Advantages of Contingency Fees
Contingency fees offer several advantages for clients in personal injury cases. Firstly, they allow clients who may not have the financial means to pay for a lawyer upfront to still pursue their case and potentially receive compensation. Additionally, contingency fees align the interests of the lawyer and the client, as the lawyer only gets paid if the client wins.
Contingency fees also encourage lawyers to work efficiently and effectively on a case, as they have a financial incentive to maximize the client’s compensation. Furthermore, contingency fees can help level the playing field between injured individuals and large corporations or insurance companies, who may have more financial resources for legal fees.
Conclusion
Contingency fees are a common type of fee arrangement in Connecticut personal injury cases. They allow clients to pursue compensation without the upfront costs of legal fees, and align the interests of the lawyer and the client. If you have been injured in an accident and are considering pursuing a personal injury case, it is important to discuss contingency fee arrangements with your lawyer and understand the costs and risks involved.