Imagine this: you get involved in an accident where you get severely injured, making you lose out on your working days, meaning no pay while your bills start to pile up. Adding to your financial strain, the accident has affected your physical and emotional health as well. With all these overwhelming things going on, you must handle the legal process of getting compensation.
People usually hire personal injury lawyers to guide them through the legal process of a personal injury claim. However, many people avoid doing so due to the concern of paying hefty legal fees. People do not know that most lawyers have a contingency fee structure.
Contingency fees mean the lawyer only gets paid if they win the case. The average contingency fee a lawyer can charge is 20-50% of the victim’s compensation. Though this might seem extreme, their work to ensure the victim gets compensation makes it worth it.
This blog explores why hiring a personal injury lawyer is really worth it.
Costs of Hiring a PI Lawyer
Lawyers may have various forms of payment, but a contingency fee is one of the most popular. It is also called the ‘no win, no fee’ basis; if the lawyer cannot get the victim any compensation, the lawyer will not get paid. Some other types of fee structures a lawyer might have are:
- Flat fee
- Hourly rate
- Retainer fee
There could also be additional legal costs that may come up during the claim, which are:
- Filing fee
- Court costs
- Expert witness fee
It is ideal to know beforehand what legal costs might be required during a case so that the victim can prepare for the same.
Why the Cost of Hiring a PI Lawyer is Worth
Various factors contribute to ensuring a victim gets fair compensation. However, when the victims handle the case by themselves, they may make mistakes that can negatively impact the claim. However, lawyers will analyze the intricate details of the case and help to maximize the compensation for the victim.
Let’s look at the various benefits of having a personal injury lawyer.
- Evidence collection: A strong case’s key component is evidence. With ample supportive evidence, the plaintiff has a better chance of getting a favorable outcome. As personal injury lawyers are experienced in similar cases, they can ensure that all possible evidence is collected to prove liability.
- Negotiation: The defendant’s lawyer or insurer will often try to compensate the victim early on. Many do not know that this, among many others, is a tactic agencies use to provide minimal payout to the victim. A lawyer can handle all negotiations with the defendant, so the defense’s manipulations do not affect the claim.
- Valuation: Before accepting any compensation, all damages must be considered. An accident causes various physical, emotional, financial, and mental challenges that the victim must endure. A lawyer can ensure that all factors are considered and establish a certain amount that will be considered acceptable compensation.
- Trial: There are various scenarios when dealing with the defense out of court doesn’t work out. In such cases, lawyers can proceed to file a case against the defense. Though litigation may seem daunting, it can increase the chances of a better outcome.
Conclusion
The time after an accident can be quite challenging. While filing a claim is necessary to ensure compensation for the consequences of the accident, victims must not proceed without legal guidance. A lawyer can help ensure the victim gets fair compensation without paying out-of-pocket for the legal fees.
Such a structure is established to ensure victims receive proper representation, regardless of the case’s severity. Therefore, every penny spent on legal fees is truly worth it.
