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Law firms can follow a few different fee structures when charging clients for their services. While divorce attorneys and criminal defense lawyers often charge an hourly rate, personal injury practices tend to accept cases on a contingency fee basis. Here’s what you should know about this particular arrangement if you intend to sue for damages after a preventable accident.

Contingency Fees Explained

Contingency fees apply to cases that have the potential to yield a monetary payout. The fee refers to a predetermined percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This percentage may be calculated before or after court costs and other expenses associated with litigation are deducted. If the case does not yield a payout, the client will not owe any attorney’s fees.

The precise percentage depends on several factors, including state law, the anticipated complexity of the case, the number of hours that will probably go into building the claim, and whether disputes are essentially inevitable. If a liability dispute is likely, there’s a chance the case will go to trial; if it does, it's reasonable for the attorney to charge a higher contingency fee for the added work that comes with going to court.

Advantages of Hiring an Attorney for a Contingency Fee

attorneyThere are two significant benefits of hiring a lawyer for a contingency fee. First, you’ve got nothing to lose. If the case doesn’t yield a settlement or verdict in your favor, you won't have to pay any attorney’s fees. Second, the law firm will have a stake in the outcome of the case. Since they’ll only get paid if the claim is successful, they’ll have more incentive to see it through to the end and put resources toward resolving even the most complicated disputes that arise along the way.

 

If you think you have grounds for a personal injury claim, ask Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, to take it for a contingency fee. Operating out of Poplar Bluff, MO, this firm is backed by more than 70 years of experience in the legal field. While their attorneys remain committed to providing the attentive and tailored counsel of a small practice, they’re equipped with the resources of a powerhouse firm. Whether you need guidance regarding business assets, divorce, criminal charges, medical malpractice, or car accident injuries, you can rely on them for personalized service. To explore their practice areas, visit their website. To schedule a consultation, call (573) 686-2459.

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