Personal injury accidents can cause significant disruptions to your life and result in many questions. One of those questions may be how to pay for a lawyer, especially when you’re facing financial uncertainty.
Wofsey Rosen provides the solution to this problem by offering contingency fees for personal injury cases, so you can retain a lawyer to fight for you and secure the justice and compensation you deserve without the added fear of legal bills you cannot repay.
What Constitutes a Contingency Fee in Connecticut
Contingency fees are often used in personal injury cases such as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bite injuries, medical malpractice, and so much more. Because these accidents often result in significant financial losses, contingency fees are designed to help clients receive the representation they need without having to worry about upfront costs. In these types of cases, lawyers do not charge any fees up front for their services and do not get paid unless they secure a settlement or jury verdict. At this time, your lawyer will deduct his or her fees directly from your compensation.
The benefits of this model are that personal injury victims can secure the legal representation they need during a difficult time. Financial losses from an accident can be staggering and cause significant financial stress. As such, many individuals would have to forfeit legal help at a time when they need it the most. However, contingency fees ensure clients have an advocate who can secure them a better outcome in their case.
The Application of Contingency Fees
When a lawyer works on contingency, it means that they cover many of the initial costs of your case themselves. This may include court fees, document retrieval costs, investigation costs, and more. Some cases may require more upfront costs than others, which becomes a factor in evaluating whether a lawyer will take your case. As such, your lawyer will often also deduct from your settlement the amount he or she spent out-of-pocket, in addition to the contingency fee for the time invested in your case.
How Much a Lawyer May Charge in Contingency Fees in Connecticut
Contingency fees are governed by Connecticut General Statutes § 52-251c to ensure fairness to both parties. Lawyers generally charge a fee of one-third of the total settlement or verdict, but as the value of your recovery increases, the contingency fee rate often decreases. There are a few key thresholds by which lawyers must abide and of which clients should be aware before hiring a lawyer. These amounts include:
- 33 â…“ % of the recovery up to the first $300,000
- 25% of the second $300,000
- 20% of the third $300,000
- 15% of the fourth $300,000
- 10% of settlements that exceed $1,200,000
In all cases that a lawyer agrees to take, clients may choose to forego a contingency fee for another payment method such as hourly billing. Because every case is different, it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to determine how much you could expect to pay out of your settlement for legal services. Furthermore, the complexity of the case, the time it requires to resolve, and the amount of risk an attorney assumes may impact whether your fees will deviate from the above thresholds. Once you and your lawyer agree upon the fee for your case, you will both sign a written fee agreement.
Ethics of Contingency Fees
Lawyers must adhere to all ethical rules concerning their fees as outlined in their rules for professional conduct. According to Rule 1.5, lawyers are not allowed to charge unreasonable fees. Factors that must be considered include the labor required to resolve the case, how much other lawyers in the area charge for their services, time limitations, the level of experience the lawyer possesses, and the relationship between the lawyer and the client. Depending on the situation, other fees or conditions may apply.
Consult Wofsey Rosen About the Contingency Fees for Your Case
When you have been wrongfully injured in an accident, you should talk with your lawyer about your legal options and the specifics of their contingency fees. Be sure to leave a consultation with a clear understanding of the contingency fees and legal costs in your case, and any other obligations that you may be responsible for meeting.
Wofsey Rosen is ready to answer your questions and begin fighting for you. We are committed to the success of your case and helping you rebuild your life. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more about our contingency fees and our ability to advocate for you.