How do attorneys get paid? What to know before the call.

If you have been injured by the negligence of another person, don’t trust your insurance company to have your best interest at hand. Your interest to obtain maximum compensation is in direct conflict with your insurance company who is going to do what they can to pay out less than you deserve. It’s at this moment that many people decide to seek out professional help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Hiring the wrong attorney can be an expensive mistake if you don’t know what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a personal injury attorney, be sure to hire a firm that specializes in that area. Look for reviews online and do a little research.

How do attorneys get paid?

No two firms are created equal, no matter how similar they look from the outside. You should clearly understand your options before entering into an agreement. Ask what the best methods are to communicate most effectively with your lawyer’s law firm and supporting staff.

• “Reasonable Fee,” billed by the hour: The most common billing method is to charge a set amount per hour but it’s not necessarily the least costly method. Time spent on your case will differ for each lawyer depending upon their level of experience and other factors such as the difficulty of the case, time and work required, and the amount of support that will be needed. This may not be the most client-friendly option; personal injury actions can involve a considerable amount of time and complicated investigation process. It’s ok to ask for fee structures, upfront and in writing.
• “Contingent fee” basis: This fee structure is typically used by a personal injury firm who has a proven track record of successful cases. The fees here are based on a fixed percentage of the settlement, and only charged if your case is won. In a contingent fee arrangement, there are typically no fees if your case is lost. (In that case, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money.) There are some circumstances where you may still be responsible for small charges such as court filing fees. Ask your attorney to clarify the specific details of their contingency fee structure.

• Personal injury case evaluations at no cost

What to know before the call

Good lawyers improve the quality of life of their clients. They protect them from situations that may bring additional and unnecessary emotional, physical and financial hardship. It is true that the more time a lawyer spends on preparing and investigating your case, the more charges that will incur. On the flip side, the more attention to detail that your attorney makes, the larger potential for maximum compensation.

The attorneys at Action Law Offices have a proven reputation for uncovering important details that win cases. The Action Law Team works on a contingency bases, and places a large emphasis on being responsive and upfront with their clients. Schedule a free initial consultation today, at one of six convenient locations in Southeastern Wisconsin.