When you consider hiring a lawyer, it’s understandable to want to know how much you can expect to pay for their expertise. You may already have an Injury Settlement Offer. Still, since personal injury claims filed with an injury attorney have a much higher success rate than those without legal representation, the cost of hiring a lawyer is a good investment. Keep reading to learn what percentage of your settlement you can expect to pay in Houston, TX.
Fee Agreement with your Injury Lawyer
Your written fee agreement must state which party will be responsible for costs if you do not win your case. It should also include who is responsible if you win your case, but the settlement amount is less than the costs and lawyer fees. Talk to your lawyer about this when discussing their rate, as sometimes lawyers are willing to negotiate if you have a very straightforward case. You and your injury lawyer will typically agree on one of three options.
Expenses During Your Claim and Injury Settlement Offer
When your lawyer is working on a contingency basis, they will usually pay for the costs and expenses related to your case. Some lawyers may bill you as the expenses occur, but that is not common in personal injury cases. Once you have received your settlement or been awarded compensation by the court, you will reimburse your lawyer for the expenses. Some of the costs you may be responsible for include:
- Court filing fees
- Copying fees for police reports
- Copying fees for medical records
- Hiring an expert witness
- Hiring an investigator
- Transcripts
- Trial exhibitions
A quality attorney will significantly increase your chances of reaching a lucrative settlement and help streamline the claims process. In addition, they can negotiate to get you the most money possible for your injuries and represent you in court if you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
