How Much Does a Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury cases like car accidents can often come with financial burdens that may seem daunting. Lawyers are known for being expensive, and the last thing you probably want to do when facing medical expenses or lost income is take on additional bills.
As a result, many victims hesitate to seek legal representation due to concerns about the cost. However, law firms allow car accident victims to access legal representation without paying attorney fees upfront. At the Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC, we work on a contingency basis to help individuals seek justice and compensation. We ensure we don’t add financial stress to an already challenging situation until we achieve a successful resolution.
Attorney Fee Structures for Car Accident Cases
If you decide to seek legal representation after an accident, it’s crucial to understand the standard personal injury attorney fee structure. In Cleveland, most attorney fees for motor vehicle accidents are based on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that you don’t have to pay your attorney upfront. Instead, the attorney’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case.
The contingency fee percentage can vary depending on the stage of your case. Here are the typical fee structures you can expect:
Pre-Lawsuit Settlement
If your car accident claim is settled before a lawsuit is filed, we usually charge a fee of 33 1/3% of the gross proceeds. This means that if your case results in a settlement with $100,000 of compensation, your attorney will receive 331/3% 100,000 of that amount as their fee.
After Filing a Lawsuit
If your case progresses to the point where a lawsuit is filed, the attorney’s fee often increases to 40% of the gross proceeds. This higher percentage reflects the additional work and potential risks associated with litigating the case in court.
It’s important to note that these percentages are negotiable to some extent. Therefore, you may discuss the fee arrangement with your attorney before proceeding with your case.
Client Responsibility for Expenses
In addition to attorney fees, Ohio law requires that clients reimburse the attorney for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the case preparation. These expenses come out of the final settlement. These expenses may include:
- Court filing fees
- Fees for expert witnesses
- Court reporter fees
- The cost of obtaining police reports
- Gathering medical records fees
- Any other expenditure directly associated with building the case
However, some lawyers have a different approach to their fees. You may find that your auto accident attorney charges:
- An hourly fee
- Retainer fee
- Flat fee
- Hybrid fee
Your attorney will provide a detailed breakdown of these expenses and obtain your consent before incurring them. Our legal team will try to be as transparent as possible so that you understand the financial aspects of your case fully.
Contact Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC, Today
Though legal fees may sound intimidating when coupled with car accident injuries and losses, they really don’t need to be a source of worry. At Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. As a result, you can retain our skilled legal team with no up-front cost and no financial risk to you. Contact us today for a free case review.