Understanding Contingency Fee Structures
Why is it so essential to understand attorney fees? Because what you don’t know can hurt you.
Some law firms have complex fee structures with increased percentages built in.
These can significantly impact how much you receive from your settlement. You don’t want any surprises.
Imagine winning a large settlement, only to find that most goes to the lawyer’s fees and expenses?
That’s why it pays to be informed. Want to learn more about attorney fees in general?
Before you sign anything, carefully review the fee agreement and ask lots of questions. It’s your right to understand exactly how you’ll be charged.
Questions to Ask
Does the Fee Percentage Change Based on the Stage of the Case?
Some law firms use a tiered fee structure. This means the percentage they take increases at different stages of the case. The “stage of the case” refers to whether your case is in the pre-litigation, litigation, or trial phase.
Pre-litigation: This is before a lawsuit is filed.
Litigation: This is after a lawsuit is filed, but before trial.
Trial: This is when your case goes to court.
For example, a firm might charge 35% if the case settles before a lawsuit, 40% if a lawsuit is filed, and maybe 45% if the case goes to trial. It’s essential to know the firm’s policy.
Knowing this ahead of time helps you anticipate costs. Ask your attorney if their fee percentage changes. Understanding this is key to managing your expectations.
Could the Law Firm Take More Money Than the Client?
This might sound shocking, but it happens at many law firms. High medical bills and case expenses can create scenarios where the law firm ends up with more money than you.
That’s why it’s crucial to find a firm that guarantees you’ll always receive more than they do.
This guarantee provides peace of mind. You know you’ll never be in a situation where your lawyer profits more from your pain than you do.
Here’s an example:
Settlement: $100,000
Medical Bills Owed: $40,000
Case Expenses: $10,000
Attorney Fees (40%): $40,000
Client Net: $10,000
Without a guarantee, the attorney gets $40,000, while you get only $10,000. This is not a situation you want to be in.
Other Important Fee-Related Considerations
Don’t forget to ask about hidden fees and costs. What expenses are you responsible for? How are these documented and communicated?
It’s important to understand what you might owe, regardless of the case outcome.
Our Firm Is Different (And Why It Matters)
Our firm believes in transparency and fairness. Here’s how our fee structure benefits you.
Fixed Fee Percentage Regardless of Case Stage
We don’t increase our fee percentage if the case goes to court or trial. You can rest assured that our fee will be the same no matter the stage of your case.
Our Exclusive Bigger Share Guarantee
We guarantee that you’ll always receive more money than our firm. This aligns with our values and commitment to our clients.
Benefits of Our Approach
Transparency: No surprises. You’ll know exactly what to expect.
Client-Focused: We prioritize your financial well-being.
Trust: We build strong relationships based on honesty and integrity.
Read what our clients say about us at the bottom of this page.
Choosing Sam Aguiar
When you hire Sam and his team, you choose transparency, trustworthiness, proven success, and a team that prioritizes your best interests.
Phone: 502-888-8888 or 859-888-8000
