If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer in New Hampshire, one of the primary concerns you might have is the cost associated with hiring an attorney. Like any legal service, there are fees associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer. However, the cost will vary based on several factors.
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Contingency Fee Agreements
Most personal injury lawyers in New Hampshire work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay your lawyer upfront for their services. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or court award that you receive if you win your case.
What Percentage Will the Personal Injury Lawyer Take?
The percentage that the lawyer takes varies, but it will usually be between 25 percent and 40 percent of the total settlement or award. The percentage typically will be negotiable based on the facts of the case.
Factors That Might Affect the Percentage
Several factors might affect the percentage that the lawyer takes, including the complexity of the case, the amount of work that the lawyer has to do, and the likelihood of winning the case. Attorneys usually require a higher percentage for complicated or high-risk cases, since these cases require a more significant investment of time and resources.
Payment of Other Costs
In addition to the contingency fee, you might also need to pay for other expenses associated with your case. Some of the expenses might include:
- Filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record costs
- Court reporter fees
- Deposition fees
Your lawyer typically will pay these costs upfront and deduct them from your settlement or award after the case is over. However, you need to make sure that you understand your lawyer’s fee agreement before signing on to work with them.
Negotiating Legal Fees
Although most personal injury lawyers in New Hampshire work on a contingency fee basis, it is still a good idea to negotiate the fee agreement before hiring a lawyer. Remember that the percentage that the lawyer takes will affect the amount of your settlement or award that you receive. If you can negotiate a lower percentage, you will put more money in your pocket.
Consultation Fees
Some personal injury lawyers might charge consultation fees upfront. These fees are typically for an initial consultation and case evaluation. You should ask if your attorney charges a consultation fee when you speak with them.
Hourly Fees
In some cases, a personal injury lawyer might charge hourly fees instead of taking a percentage of the settlement or award. This fee arrangement is not common in personal injury cases, but it does happen. If your lawyer charges an hourly fee, they should agree with you upfront on how many hours they will work.
The Importance of a Written Agreement
Regardless of what type of fee agreement you enter into with your personal injury lawyer, it is essential to have a written agreement that outlines the fee arrangement in detail. Before you sign a fee agreement, make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement and that it is in line with what you expect to pay based on your case.
Final Thoughts
While the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in New Hampshire might be a concern, it should not dissuade you from seeking legal representation if you have been injured in an accident. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not have to pay any fees upfront. If you are worried about the costs associated with your case, talk to your lawyer about negotiating the fee agreement or explore other options, such as hourly fees. Regardless of what type of fee agreement you enter into, make sure that you have a written agreement that outlines the terms of the agreement in detail.