Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make an enormous difference to your San Francisco personal injury case. If you are hesitating to contact a San Francisco personal injury attorney due to preconceived notions about the price of one, let us put your fears to rest. Like most personal injury lawyers, Jacoby & Meyers operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you will pay nothing out of pocket, win or lose.
Common Fee Structures
It is important to understand how much a lawyer charges before signing any binding contracts. The attorney you speak with should be open, honest and transparent about the law firm’s fee structure and your case’s estimated costs before beginning.
Contingency Fees
The majority of San Francisco personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer will only get paid if the client wins his or her case. In this arrangement, the attorney’s fee is deducted as a percentage of the settlement or judgment award won.
For example, if the attorney’s fee is 33 percent and the settlement obtained for the client is $100,000, the attorney’s fee would be around $33,000. If the personal injury case does not result in a financial recovery, the client will be charged $0 in attorney’s fees.
Hourly Rates and Retainers
Although less common, some personal injury attorneys may use a different fee structure, such as hourly or flat rates. If a case is particularly complex, an attorney may also charge a retainer. This is an upfront fee that must be paid before the attorney will begin work on the case.
Factors Influencing Fee Percentages
Contingency fees for a personal injury case in San Francisco may range anywhere from 25 percent to 40 percent, depending on the case and attorney.
Case Complexity
More complex cases – such as those that require extensive investigation or expert testimony – may justify a higher attorney’s fee. Disputed liability, catastrophic injuries or insurance disputes can result in higher fees.
Litigation vs. Settlement
Most personal injury cases in California achieve settlements, or private agreements between an insurance company and claimant. Settlements are faster and cheaper than personal injury trials. If a case goes to trial, contingency fees may increase due to the additional time and resources required.
Attorney’s Experience
A highly experienced personal injury attorney may charge a higher percentage fee than a less experienced or newer attorney. Keep in mind, however, that you get what you pay for – the higher fee may be well worth the cost for an attorney who knows how to maximize compensation.
Additional Costs to Consider
The price of the lawyer’s services may not be the only cost associated with pursuing a personal injury claim. An attorney can walk you through other potential expenses, such as court and filing fees, expert witnesses, investigation costs, copies of records and reports, and administrative fees.
Look for Free Consultations
When it comes to financial peace of mind, finding a San Francisco personal injury lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis is ideal.
While it is important to understand how much an attorney charges, you should also assess the attorney’s experience, track record and your level of personal comfort with them to find the right fit for you. Get to know a prospective attorney by scheduling a free initial consultation to discuss your case and fee structures.