When you have been injured or wronged in some way through the careless actions or negligence of another person, you may be seeking legal representation. Instead of trying to understand the law on your own, you want someone with experience and skill to present your side and seek justice. Yet, how do you pay for an Atlanta personal injury attorney?
Many people worry they cannot afford to have a professional legal advocate. However, a reputable law firm, such as John Foy & Associates, will allow you to manage your fees in a way that keeps you from paying a large retainer upfront. When you need the guidance of an Atlanta contingency attorney, contact the Strong Arm of Georgia.
How the Contingency Fee Structure Works
For many kinds of legal services, you must pay the attorney before work begins. However, personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee structure. This means that, along with a free initial consultation, you do not pay anything until your case is settled. When a final compensation agreement is reached, the attorney’s fees are paid as a percentage of that amount.
The fees you pay are not presented as a surprise when your case ends. It is one of the first things you and your lawyer will discuss when you meet with them. If you are uncomfortable with the percentage (usually between 30-40%), you can walk away still having the advice you received in your free case review.
Most cases are settled without going to court, so a jury trial is not necessary to take advantage of a “no win, no fee” lawyer. In fact, John Foy & Associates are skilled at saving you time and money by securing fair settlements quickly, although we are prepared to take uncooperative insurance companies to court.
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How You Benefit From a No Upfront Cost Lawyer
When you are involved in an insurance claim, the adjusters will often tell you there is no need to get an attorney. They will insist they are making a fair offer, but they are in business to make a profit. They are not interested in ensuring you have the full compensation you need.
In addition, there may be elements of your insurance policy you do not fully understand. These can be used against you, or the insurance company may even mislead you about what your policy covers. If you are filing a car accident claim, for example, the other driver’s insurance company will claim you are at fault for the crash and are not owed anything.
With a contingency fee attorney in Atlanta, GA, you can get knowledgeable advice without worrying about how much it will cost to get started. Since there are no fees unless you receive a settlement, you can have a contingency lawyer in Atlanta examine and negotiate your claim for the best possible outcome.
How Much Working on Contingency Could Cost
Serving personal injury clients through contingency fee practice has been part of the Georgia Bar Association’s rules of professional conduct. It allows victims to receive the help they need without requiring a large payment at first. Attorneys can also serve their communities more thoroughly and across a wider range of clients.
The timeline of your claim and the effort required will influence how much the percentage will be. For example, in car accident cases, if your attorney can reach a settlement quickly, your fee will be approximately 33%. However, if it requires going to trial, mediation, and other services, the amount could be closer to 40% of your settlement.
Suppose your personal injury case requires a few weeks of negotiation with the insurance company before a settlement is reached. If the amount is $100,000 and your contingency fee is 35%, then you will pay $35,000 in fees to your Atlanta contingency lawyer. You are paying them for their experience, skill, knowledge, and understanding of the law. Without their advice, you could wind up with much less.
Cases Where Contingency Is Not Allowed
In some instances, the law does not allow attorneys to offer contingency fee structures. This is most common in cases of criminal defense. These are paid through an initial retainer and on an hourly basis, including fees for expert testimony and collaboration.
Many family law services are paid at a fixed price or through an hourly rate.
Court Costs Are a Separate Matter
Your contingency lawyer in Atlanta, GA, will explain the details of your fee agreement before you sign it. They will notify you of exactly what your fee covers and what it does not. One of the things that are not paid for through your settlement percentage is the cost of going to court.
These include many expenses related to your case, such as:
- Court transcript fees
- Deposition and court reporter fees
- Expenses for ordering police and accident reports
- Expenses involved in preparing for trial
- Expert witness costs
- Filing fees for county, local, or state courts
- Medical records fees
- Travel expenses for the attorney and team members
These fees are set and are not under the control of your attorney. If your case is extremely challenging, the court costs could total several thousand dollars. These will need to be paid separately from the attorney fees.
Learn More From a Contingency Attorney in Atlanta
At the Strong Arm across Georgia, we are committed to providing the legal help you need without leaving you bankrupt. John Foy & Associates manages a wide range of personal injury claims so you can secure the compensation you deserve without adding to your hospital and other bills.
When you speak with us at your free initial case evaluation, we will explain all the details of hiring an Atlanta contingency lawyer and what to expect. Your concerns will be put to rest, and you will have the confidence to pursue your insurance claim or lawsuit with our team by your side. Remember, if we do not win for you, you do not pay – that is the meaning of a contingency fee structure.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
