At Spiros Law, P.C., we typically use a contingency fee structure when representing accident victims rather than charging our clients by the hour. A contingency fee arrangement aligns the interests of the client and the attorney in pursuing the best possible outcome.
What Is a Contingency Fee in a Personal Injury Case?
Contingency fee arrangements are among personal injury cases’ most common attorney payment options. You don’t pay your attorney until you’re awarded compensation in this arrangement. In other words, your personal injury lawyer fees are “contingent” upon you receiving compensation in your case.
When you hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis, you agree to pay them a percentage of any financial recovery. This is typically one-third in Illinois, but it may vary based on case complexity or a sliding scale agreement. At Spiros Law, P.C., your Illinois personal injury attorney will always review the contingency fee structure in your case and ensure you fully understand before moving forward.
Costs in Contingency Cases
Some of the typical costs incurred in personal injury cases include:
- Filing Fee – This is the fee for filing a lawsuit with the court clerk. The fee depends on the court and the county where you file suit. For example, it costs $306 to file a tort action in the Sixth Circuit Court in Champaign County.
- Deposition Transcripts – When witnesses are deposed, a court reporter records every word they say. Depending on the length of the deposition, the transcript they produce for use at trial may cost several hundred dollars or more.
- Expert Witness Fees – Complex personal injury cases may require expert testimony related to your medical treatment or the mechanics of how the accident occurred. Clients may be required to pay the expert’s hourly rate to develop a report.
- Mediator Expenses – In some cases, the parties may choose to enter mediation before the case goes to trial. The mediator will charge hourly to prepare for and oversee the mediation. Typically, the plaintiff and defendant will split these costs.
- Overhead Costs—Although not a huge expense, you may be responsible for expenses like postage and copying. Some law firms also prorate the cost of their research tools for their clients.
Depending on the fee agreement, you may need to pay some upfront costs as they arise throughout the case. Typically, these costs will be deducted from any compensation your attorney recovers for you. Your contingency fee agreement will specify if you’ll pay any lawyer fees on settlement of your case.
The Benefits of a Contingency Fee Agreement
As a result, the option of forgoing payment of attorney fees until their case concludes—and having their attorney’s pay be contingent upon their recovering compensation—provides much-needed financial and emotional relief at a difficult time.
Contact a Central Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in an accident, someone else caused contact Spiros Law, P.C. today to speak with one of our experienced Danville personal injury lawyers in a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you only pay if we win your case. We are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they need to get their lives back on track as soon as possible. Call us today at (815) 929-9292 to get started with your case.
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