Before you go out and hire personal injury attorneys it is important to understand the type of fees they charge so that you do not end up in a fix when the case finally ends. There are several factors that determine the legal fees such as ability of the lawyer, reputation, experience, novelty and difficulty of the case in hand, costs involved and the results obtained among many others. Different attorneys normally have different ways of charging their clients with some of the most common ones being: p>

Consultation fee

The lawyer you are working with might ask for an hourly or fixed rate for the first meeting. This is where you will both determine whether he/she can help you with the case at the end of the day. It is very important to find this out to know what you are getting yourself into.

Contingency fees

This is where the lawyer’s fees is normally based on a certain percentage on the total amount that will be awarded should he/she win the case. This implies that if the client does not win the case, the lawyer will not be paid. There are however some expenses that you might have to incur. Although the percentage fees may vary, most professionals normally work with a third. Some lawyers offer a siding scale that is normally calculated depending on how far the case has gone before it is settled. Courts may also set the limit on the amount of money that the lawyer will receive. This type of arrangement is normally made where large amounts of money are involved.

Flat fees

There are some lawyers who will charge a total fee that is specific. This is normally offered when the case is relatively simply and does not bring about too many complications. Most of the time, you have to pay the flat fees regardless of whether you win the case or not.

Hourly rates

This is where a lawyer will charge clients for every hour or even portion of an hour that he/she works on the case. This means that if the lawyer charges $100 for every hour and works on the case for 6 hours you will be required to pay $600.

Referral fee

A lawyer who refers your case to another lawyer who is more capable of handling it might ask for a portion of the money that will be paid for the case. There are certain states where this is prohibited thus it is important to look this up from the local or state bar association to be well informed on the issue. Just like any other fees it is important to work with professionals who ask for reasonable fees.

Retainer fees

This is where personal injury attorneys ask for a fee that can be described as “down payment”. This is normally placed in a special account where the cost of services are deducted from. Most of these fees are normally non refundable even when you lose the case thus it is important to discuss this with the professional to know all the details of the arrangement.

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