Contingency vs. Retainer Fee: What Are the Differences?

When you need to deal with any type of legal matter, it is usually in your best interest to hire a legal professional who can help you navigate your case. The intricacies of the law are complex, and when you are still healing from your injuries or attempting to work through whatever issues that led to your case, it can be difficult to interpret and understand how these laws work. Having a knowledgeable attorney working for you could help you achieve the most favorable outcome.

However, before you hire a lawyer, you want to be sure to understand how your attorney is going to charge you for their services. Some work on a retainer, others work on an hourly basis, and then there are contingency attorneys. An Atlanta contingency lawyer at John Foy & Associates makes it possible for you to get the legal help you need with minimal financial risk to you.

Unfortunately, the way your attorney charges you will depend on the type of legal case you are dealing with. Most civil lawyers and those who handle insurance claims will be willing to work on contingency. Here is more about the difference between retainers and contingency fees, which types of lawyers can work on contingency agreements, and what to expect when you work with a lawyer on contingency.

Why Some Lawyers Require Retainer Fees

If you need to hire a lawyer, you may be wondering what the point of a retainer fee is. Usually, lawyers who work on an hourly basis will require a retainer. The law firm will then use these funds to cover any costs that come up in pursuing your case. 

If you work with a lawyer on an hourly rate, you will need to pay this hourly fee and any of the costs associated with your lawsuit or legal issues. This is one of the biggest setbacks many people experience. They simply cannot afford to cover thousands of dollars in retainer fees to hire a legal representative.

Fortunately, most personal injury law firms and lawyers dealing with civil claims will work with you on a contingency basis. This is not an hourly fee, and we do not require a down payment or retainer to start working on your case. Contingency agreements make it possible for nearly anyone seeking compensation for their suffering, injuries, or damages to get the legal help they need when they need it most.

How Contingency Agreements Work

Contingency agreements are an alternative way to work with an attorney. Most personal injury lawyers and any other type of lawyer dealing with a civil matter, such as employment law violations, whistleblowing, stock loss, or bankruptcy, will work for their clients on contingency. This is because we understand how pressed you may be financially after being wrong, taken advantage of, or injured.

We do our part to make legal representation accessible to everyone. If you are out of work and unable to earn a living, you may not be able to afford the costs of filing your claim, gathering valuable supporting evidence, or otherwise building a case against the responsible party. The last thing we want you to have to do is take out a loan against your home, borrow against your retirement savings account, or request a loan from a close friend or family member.

This is why we work for our clients on contingency. We cover these expenses on your behalf and do everything possible to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. Then, our attorney’s fees will be deducted from your award.

Call in The Strong Arm to Get a No Win No Fee Lawyer on Your Side

Our personal injury team at John Foy & Associates works for most clients on contingency. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be requested to put a retainer down, which can help us build a case against those responsible. More often than not, we do not need to obtain a retainer, as we will utilize the law firm’s resources to help you get the justice you deserve.

Your personal finances will never be on the line. If we do not win, we will not get paid. You will never see a bill from your contingency attorney.

You will not have to worry about the potential for wage garnishment or having your account sent to a debt collector. Our payment is contingent upon winning your case. Therefore, losing does not mean you are in debt, and you will be no worse off financially than you were prior to pursuing your claim.

Types of Cases a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency Takes On 

Contingency attorneys can handle nearly any type of civil case. This is because claimants are seeking compensation for the damages. Some of the most common types of cases we handle on contingency include:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Truck accidents
• Construction accidents
• Dog bites
• Bicycle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Worker’s compensation claims
• Wrongful death

These are only a few examples of cases we can take on. If you have been involved in another type of accident or are dealing with any other kind of legal issue where you could be awarded compensation, our team may be able to help. Call for a free consultation to learn more about how we can make the liable party pay.

Meet with a Lawyer Who Only Gets Paid When You Win Today

Although you may not be able to put down a retainer fee or pay your lawyer on an hourly rate, when you choose an Atlanta contingency attorney at John Foy & Associates to take on your case, you do not have to let your financial limitations hold you back from the compensation you deserve. Learn more about the details contained within our contingency agreements and how much you might be expected to pay out of your award when you contact our office to request a 100% free consultation. Reach us through our convenient contact form or by phone to get started as soon as today.