If you’re catastrophically injured in an accident caused by someone else, you may think there’s no way you can afford an attorney. However, contingency payment arrangements mean you can access legal representation without paying anything from your own pocket. Instead, your lawyer takes a percentage of what they recover on your behalf.
If you wonder what contingency means and if it’s worth paying some of your recovery to a lawyer, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to discuss how contingency fees work and much more. Let’s dive in.
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
If you’re hurt in a serious accident, you may have worries about how you’ll cope financially. Unfortunately, that’s not all. There’s the additional stress of dealing with insurance companies, navigating the legal system, and negotiating a fair settlement.
It’s easy to understand why many people feel overwhelmed when their lives are suddenly upended after an accident, but you do not have to face this difficult situation alone. With a contingency-fee arrangement, you can put your case in the hands of a lawyer without paying a dime from your savings.
The best thing about our contingency-fee arrangement is there’s no financial risk. Finding out whether you have a case is easy. We’ll talk to you about your legal options for free in our first consultation. After that, if we can help, our legal team will build and pursue your case without charging anything unless we obtain a favorable result.
Contingency-Fee Arrangements: Commonly Used in Personal Injury Cases
Contingency-fee arrangements are most commonly used in personal injury cases such as auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, dangerous or defective products, catastrophic injuries, work accidents, and wrongful death.
Do All Personal Injury Lawyers Work on Contingency?
While most personal injury lawyers operate on contingency, that’s not the case for everyone. Some charge hourly rates or retainers, requiring clients to pay upfront fees. That’s not the case with our law firm. From the moment you sign with us, you’ll understand everything about our arrangement, so you know what to expect. We don’t want any aspect of our services and partnership to catch you by surprise.
How Much Are Contingency Fees in North Carolina?
Contingency fees vary from situation to situation. Some lawyers charge standard rates for all cases they handle, regardless of their obligations. Others determine their fees based on:
- The complexity of a case and the likelihood of it succeeding
- The nature and extent of the client’s ongoing physical, emotional, and financial damages
- The lawyer’s experience, reputation, and ability
- The time and labor required to build and pursue the case
- Whether a case requires litigation
We’re always transparent about our contingency agreements, never charge excessive or unreasonable fees, and take the time to ensure you understand our terms completely.
What Happens if My Personal Injury Case Is Not Successful?
Simply put, if your case is unsuccessful, you do not pay any contingency fees. So, there’s very little financial risk involved. We work hard and do everything we can to support you after an accident––not just because we only get paid if we win––but because it is our responsibility to put your needs first.
This approach has been the foundation of our good standing within the communities we serve in North Carolina for almost five decades. It means standing with you and your family through tough times, listening to your woes, and turning your worries into positive action.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
To succeed in your personal injury claim, you must prove your entitlement to compensation. Unfortunately, doing so is not always straightforward. Challenges with the legal process often stem from the following:
- Difficulty determining who is liable or at fault for causing the accident
- Disputes with insurance companies over the financial extent of your injuries
- Defendants or their insurers that deny liability for the accident
- Difficulty evaluating the full extent of your current and anticipated costs related to medical bills, treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Cases involving catastrophic injuries and high potential payouts
- Accidents involving multiple liable parties
- Insurance companies that don’t cooperate during negotiations
- Time limits for filing a claim or pursuing legal action per North Carolina’s statute of limitations
We are always honest and upfront about whether we can help.
If You’re Seriously Injured, Talk to Us. Our Attorneys Are Here to Help.
We hope our guide has helped you to understand what contingency means. If you have further questions or you’re searching for exceptional legal representation offered with contingency payment arrangements, here’s what Whitley Law Firm brings to the table:
- Over 80 years of combined legal experience
- Compassionate and caring full-service client support
- Responsive communication for questions and case updates
- No-win, no-fee legal representation and a free initial legal consultation
- A long track record of demonstrable case results in personal injury claims
- A law firm with good standing with our prior clients and in the communities we serve throughout North Carolina
You’re many things in the aftermath of a serious injury: confused, scared––angry. But there’s one thing you don’t have to feel: uncertain. With Whitley Law Firm, you get much-needed reassurance about your legal options and case’s resolution.
Begin a Free, No-Obligation Case Review With Whitley Law Firm
Take the first step on your journey to recovery and explore your legal options by talking to our team at (919) 785-5000. During our conversation, feel free to ask questions, voice your concerns, and share the details of your accident.
