Hiring a personal injury lawyer can affect how your San Francisco personal injury case is handled. If you are hesitating to contact a San Francisco personal injury attorney due to concerns about cost, it may help to understand how fees are typically structured. Like most personal injury lawyers, Jacoby & Meyers operates on a contingency fee basis. This means fees may depend on the outcome of the case, and clients may not be required to pay attorney’s fees upfront.
Common Fee Structures
It is important to understand how a lawyer charges before signing any binding contracts. The attorney you speak with should explain the law firm’s fee structure and any estimated costs before beginning.
Contingency Fees
The majority of San Francisco personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer is paid if the client obtains a financial recovery. In this arrangement, the attorney’s fee is deducted as a percentage of the settlement or judgment award.
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, attorney’s fees may not be charged, depending on the agreement.
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 begins 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 involve higher attorney’s fees. Disputed liability, serious injuries, or insurance disputes may also affect fee percentages.
Litigation vs. Settlement
Many personal injury cases in California are resolved through settlements, or private agreements between an insurance company and claimant. Settlements may involve less time and expense than personal injury trials. If a case proceeds to trial, contingency fees may increase due to the additional time and resources required.
Attorney’s Experience
A more experienced personal injury attorney may charge a higher percentage fee than a less experienced attorney. Fee structures can vary, and individuals may wish to consider experience, approach, and communication style when selecting legal representation.
Additional Costs to Consider
The price of legal services may not be the only cost associated with pursuing a personal injury claim. An attorney can explain 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 evaluating your options, you may wish to ask whether a law firm offers an initial consultation and how fees are structured.
While it is important to understand how an attorney charges, you may also consider the attorney’s experience, background, and your level of comfort when deciding whether to proceed. Get to know a prospective attorney by scheduling a free initial consultation to discuss your case and fee structures.