When you’ve been in an accident or suffered an injury, working with a personal injury attorney can be an essential part of getting the compensation and justice you deserve. However, many people are concerned about the cost of working with an attorney. Will they have to pay upfront? Will they owe fees regardless of the outcome of their case? Here’s what you need to know about how personal injury attorneys are paid in Pennsylvania.
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Consultations are Generally Free
First things first, if you are simply considering hiring a personal injury attorney, you should know that most reputable attorneys offer free consultations. During this meeting, the attorney will review the details of your case and determine whether they can help you and what your chances of success might be. This meeting is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with the attorney in question.
Most Attorneys Work on a Contingency Basis
In the vast majority of personal injury cases, attorneys work on what is known as a "contingency" basis. This means that they don’t get paid upfront, but instead take a percentage of any settlement or jury award you receive at the conclusion of your case. This percentage is typically around one-third of the total settlement or award.
This arrangement is beneficial for clients because it means that they don’t have to pay anything upfront. It also means that your attorney’s interests are aligned with your own: if they are successful in securing a larger settlement or award, they will receive a larger fee, so they have a strong incentive to fight hard on your behalf.
It’s worth noting that not all attorneys work on a contingency basis, so it’s important to clarify payment arrangements when hiring an attorney.
Other Charges and Fees
While most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, there may be other charges and fees associated with your case. For example, your attorney may require you to pay court filing fees or for expert witness testimony. However, these types of expenses are usually only incurred if and when your case goes to trial.
Costs vs. Fees
It’s important to distinguish between costs and fees when discussing payment with your attorney. Costs refer to the out-of-pocket expenses associated with your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records. These costs are typically the responsibility of the client, regardless of the outcome of the case.
Fees, on the other hand, refer to the portion of your settlement or award that your attorney takes as payment for their services. Again, these fees are typically around one-third of the total settlement or award.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, working with a personal injury attorney can be essential to getting the compensation and justice you’re entitled to. Most reputable attorneys will work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront and your attorney’s interests are aligned with your own. To ensure that you understand all payment arrangements and potential costs associated with your case, be sure to discuss payment with your attorney during your initial consultation.