What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
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Were you hurt in an accident in California? If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. Financial recovery may be available for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Personal injury claims are challenging. You need a top attorney. This raises an important question: What percentage do personal injury lawyers take in California? The short answer is that a fee of 33 percent to 40 percent is standard, though there can be variation based on case specific factors. Here, our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys provide a guide to fees and percentages.
What is Contingency Fee Representation? (Personal Injury)
Most personal injury lawyers in California handle claims on a contingency fee basis. With contingency representation, there are no upfront costs or hourly bills. Injured victims do not have to pay a retainer to a lawyer or law firm. Instead, contingency fee arrangement means your attorney only gets paid if you win your case. Rather than charging you hourly or requiring a large upfront retainer, he or she agrees to accept a percentage of the final settlement or verdict.
The Benefits of a Personal Injury Lawyer Working On Contingency
For victims and families, there are many advantages to hiring a California personal injury attorney on a contingency fee basis. Here are the most notable benefits:
- No Upfront Costs: You do not need to pay anything at the beginning of your case. Your initial consultation is free and there is no retain. Your California personal injury lawyer covers all case-related expenses, including filing fees and investigations costs.
- No Out-of Pocket Fees: Nothing will come out of your own pocket. There are no hourly bills to worry about. Throughout the process, you will be asked to pay out-of-pocket for legal services.
- No Risks: Finally, there are no financial risks for pursuing a claim. If your case does not result in compensation, you pay nothing in legal fees. Your contingency fee personal injury attorney only gets paid when you get paid.
Standard Percentage for Personal Injury Lawyers (33 Percent to 40 Percent)
The fee for contingency representation for a personal injury case in California will depend on several factors. Case type and the severity of your accident could be relevant. With that being said, most California personal injury lawyers charge between 33 percent and 40 percent of the settlement verdict. The percentage is agreed to in writing before representation begins.
The percentage can also vary based on other case-specific factors. For example, some personal injury lawyers in California will reduce the percentage that they charge for contingency when a settlement/verdict exceeds a certain threshold. Along the same lines, a personal injury law firm may charge a somewhat higher percentage for cases that go to trial compared to cases that are settled.
An Overview of California Bar Association Rules for Contingency Fee Representation
Lawyers and law firms are subject to the professional rules set by the California Bar Association. Any contingency fee arrangement must comply with Rule 1.5 Fees for Legal Services. California forbids any contingency fee percentage (or terms) that are unconscionable. In other words, terms should not be unfair to the client. Further, the rules require all contingency fee agreements to be in writing and signed by both the client and the attorney. The agreement must clearly state the contingency rate, how costs and expenses will be handled, and whether the client is liable for any costs if the case is unsuccessful. Clients must receive a duplicate signed copy of the agreement. Any failure to comply with these requirements can void the agreement.
Saeedian Law Group is Committed to Putting More Money in Your Pocket
Following a serious accident, you need access to the maximum available compensation. At Saeedian Law Group, we are committed to fighting for justice for victims and families. It is our goal to put more money back into your pocket. We provide proactive, personalized legal representation to help injured victims secure the full and fair financial compensation that they deserve so that they can pay their bills, support their families, and start putting the pieces back together.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Beverly Hills Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Saeedian Law Group, our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys provide exceptional, justice-focused advocacy to victims and families. Our firm fights for the maximum compensation. If you have any specific questions or concerns about legal fees, we are here to help. Contact us today at 310-288-3000 for a free, no obligation initial case review. We represent injured victims throughout California.