Personal Injury

After an accident and injury, you might consider simply accepting the offer from insurance companies and moving on with your life. This may seem less expensive than hiring an attorney to represent you. 

However, claimants without representation regularly receive settlements that are far too low. You might cover your medical bills, but then learn you need another surgery and must miss more work while you recover. You cannot go back and ask for more compensation once you have already received a settlement. 

Being responsible for future losses is much more costly than hiring a personal injury attorney who will fight for maximum compensation in your case. 

Contingency Fees

In most types of law, attorneys charge by the hour or retainer (divorce, criminal defense, drawing up a will). However, in personal injury cases, the lawyer’s fee is on a contingency basis.

This means the following:

1. Free case evaluation – You can consult with a law firm, have all your questions answered, and get advice on whether you have a valid claim at no cost to you. There is also no obligation to hire the firm following a free consultation. 
2. No upfront payment – If you decide to hire the firm, you will not have to pay a retainer or any upfront fees to begin the representation.
3. Expenses covered by the firm – Injury claims cost money to obtain evidence and records, hire experts, and file a lawsuit if needed. All of these costs are initially covered by the firm, so you do not need money out of your pocket to pay for the claim costs. 
4. You only pay fees if you win – Injury lawyers only charge legal fees if they obtain compensation for you. If you do not receive anything for your injuries, you pay no fees. 
5. The fees come from your compensation – When you receive a settlement or award for your injuries, the lawyer will take their fees directly from this sum. You do not need to pay the lawyer out of your own accounts. 

When the settlement comes in, your case expenses get paid, the attorney receives their portion, and then you get the rest. If the lawyer can’t negotiate compensation for you, you pay nothing and the lawyer doesn’t charge fees for their legal work.

This contingency fee arrangement means that anyone can hire a personal injury attorney, no matter their current financial situation. 

You Can Still Receive More Compensation

An insurance company might offer you $25,000 for your injury. Keep in mind this is only an example, as compensation can vary substantially from case to case. If you hire an injury lawyer, they might provide evidence and negotiate for a $100,000 settlement, which is the limit of the insurance policy. 

Even after you pay your lawyer fees, you still have much more than you would if you accepted the $25,000 without legal guidance. It is always worth it to speak with a personal injury attorney. 

Call Our Idaho Personal Injury Law Firm Now

Different personal injury lawyers charge different percentages for their contingency fees. In fact, an attorney may adjust their fee on a case-by-case basis depending on the complexity of the matter or whether the case goes to court. Because the percentage of the contingency fee can vary, it’s best to contact a few different lawyers, see what they are going to charge you, look at their track records, and decide from there. 

We hope Andrew Injury Law, an Idaho personal injury firm, is your first call. Schedule your free consultation with us today at 208-517-7670 or contact us here. Let us help you increase your chances of getting compensated.