When accident victims in Indiana look for a lawyer, many ask how attorneys’ fees work. How do personal injury attorneys bill you, and do personal injury lawyer fees increase in long or complex cases?
Common Attorney Fee Structures
Different law firms may use various billing systems to charge their clients. These include:
- Flat fees, generally apply for common or predictable cases
- Hourly fees plus an initial retainer fee
- A mixed system, which could involve a flat fee with added hourly fees if a case extends longer than expected
- Contingency fees, in which you pay no upfront fee and your lawyer collects a percentage of any settlement the firm wins for you
The contingency fee system is a standard billing method with personal injury law firms. This approach relieves you of upfront costs and motivates lawyers to fight for your rights. When a law firm offers you a contingency fee agreement, you know this firm believes in your case and will work hard to resolve it since you only pay them when you collect your settlement.
When to Expect Personal Injury Lawyer Fee Increases
Fee percentage policies may differ between law firms that work on a contingency basis. For example, while some lawyers charge a consistent percentage as their contingency fee, others may have a sliding billing scale that starts with a comparatively low percentage but involves fee increases if:
- Your case takes longer than average for similar cases
- Initial settlement negotiations fail and your lawyer takes your case to court
- Your case goes all the way to trial
Because of these shifts, you may end up paying more than you had foreseen if your claim drags out or ends up in court. Also, if you know that litigating your case will cost you more in attorney’s fees, you may give up on filing a suit and accept a settlement even if you believe it doesn’t reflect your claim’s worth.
That’s why, when you consider hiring a lawyer, you should always ask, “Should I expect personal injury lawyer fee increases if my case takes a long time or involves litigation?”
Seek Honesty and Transparency When Discussing Lawyer’s Fees
A reputable lawyer will let you know upfront how their fees work and how much (depending on the settlement you win) you may expect to pay. At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we always charge a percentage of the settlement plus expenses like filing fees or expert witness fees, regardless of how long the claim takes or how much effort we expend on resolving your case.
The contingency fee agreement is part of our core values of superior customer service, impeccable work ethic, dedication, and accountability. When you work with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, you don’t need to worry about your fees unexpectedly going up, even if your case runs into delays or difficulties. Also, since our payment depends on yours, you know we have maximum incentive to negotiate a better settlement offer on your behalf.
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys: Aggressive Legal Support for Your Indiana Personal Injury Case
Did you suffer an injury in a motor vehicle accident, slip-and-fall, or another type of accident in Indiana? Contact us at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys. Our experienced legal team will examine your case based on available evidence like medical records and police reports, help protect your rights, and work hard to resolve your claim with no upfront costs or unexpected personal injury lawyer fee increases.
Call 1-800-333-3529 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today. You only pay when we win.