The bills and expenses you incur from a personal injury can be a significant roadblock to seeking legal guidance. Before saying no to working with an experienced St. Petersburg injury lawyer, it is crucial to understand how much a personal injury lawyer costs. Below, we look at the factors determining the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Florida.
Fee Structures for Florida Personal Injury Cases
Most personal injury attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis to cover the costs of the expenses in a case. While some personal injury attorneys charge by the hour or require retainer fees to represent a client, most base the costs of their services on a contingency fee structure, which is a percentage of the settlement or verdict they successfully secure in your case. A personal injury lawyer working on a contingency fee basis will not charge you legal fees if there is no monetary recovery for you.
A contingency fee generally equals 33 1/3% to 40% (Pg. 208) of the monetary amount a personal injury lawyer recovers. Claims or cases that settle out of court typically cost less because legal work, administrative costs, and other expenses are lower. Cases that go to court require additional work to demonstrate liability and improve your chances of recovery.
Even though going to court costs more than negotiating a settlement, a jury may award more damages to you to cover your costs when your personal injury lawyer effectively demonstrates the elements of negligence. Settlements and verdicts are determined by the costs to you resulting from negligence. Your financial recovery and the cost of an attorney hinge on successfully proving fault.
Benefits of Hiring a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Who Uses a Contingency Fee System
You pay no upfront fees when your Florida personal injury attorney’s cost is contingent on their successful representation of your claim or case. This fee system cancels out-of-pocket payments, allowing you to focus on personal expenses.
A significant motivator of a contingency fee is receiving payment for the services rendered. While our Florida personal injury attorneys value helping clients, securing a successful recovery for you also ensures we receive payment for the upfront costs we cover and the time we invest in every case. Contingency fees are a motivator to strive for the best outcome.
A contingency fee also provides avenues for securing quality legal representation for clients who cannot afford hourly fees. Contingency fee systems remove the uncertainty of costs for potential case expenses.
What Costs May a Contingency Fee Cover?
A personal injury attorney will cover typical costs associated with most legal cases. These costs may include:
Administrative expenses: Legal research, postage and paperwork, travel
Expert witness services: Research costs that require hours of investigation into the details of a case
Investigative services: Fact-finding, documentation collection, obtaining police reports, securing medical records
Deposition costs: These include transcript costs, stenographer’s work, and recording witness statements
The costs of representing a client vary based on the complexity of the claim or case and how long it takes to resolve a legal matter. Our firm is committed to successfully proving the personal injury damages you experience due to negligence. We work efficiently to minimize costs but commit to going the distance to pursue your financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
