Attorneys And Contingency Fees
Contingency Fees
Most people get an empty feeling in their wallet when they hear the term ‘attorney’ mentioned. On the other hand, there are others that see their bank accounts ‘grow’. So it’s safe to say that when it comes to attorneys and attorney fees, it depends on what side you’re on. And sometimes, it depends on how good of an attorney you can afford.
But there are some circumstances, when the attorney fees are not necessarily something you have to come up with. Most attorneys get paid by the hour but many go on a ‘contingency’ basis. This means that they only get paid, if YOU get paid. They are willing to take on the case for a fee that comes as a ‘result’ of the case. If you win, they win. It’s that simple.
A good example is a person who was just involved in a car accident. It’s totally unexpected and the person has no money for an attorney. Can they still get a good attorney to represent them? Of course they can; that too, without paying anything up-front. You don’t have to pay attorneys any initial costs or fees to represent you. They take these on a ‘win case’ basis. This means that if you win and you get money, then they get paid for their services from the money that’s in the settlement.
A good attorney knows that if you get injured due to someone else’s negligence, then you have a legal right to compensation. This can include factors such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any loss of future earnings that you may incur. Good attorneys are able to bring out the damages in a court of law and get a judgment on your behalf. And it doesn’t have to cost you anything unless they win.
When you think of attorneys and ‘contingency’ fees, then in all actuality, it will mean that you can get a competent attorney without having the financial means to do so otherwise. If you had to pay your attorney by the hour, just on the hopes that you’ll have a successful outcome, then that would be a ‘risk’ indeed. But hiring attorneys on a contingency basis, solves all of those problems, and poses no risk.
Of course, when an attorney looks at your case, and is determining whether or not he can take it on a contingency basis, then you better believe that he believes he can win the case. Otherwise, he would not take it on to begin with. Neither would any other attorneys. They know from the facts up-front if it’s a win-able case. They won’t waste their time on a lost cause.
When it comes to attorneys and contingency fees, remember that if you don’t have a case, no competent attorney would attempt it and take your case on a contingency basis. They are trained to spot what is worth the risk and what is not. And when you hire them on a contingency basis, you can be assured that they expect a good outcome for both you and them. And that’s comforting.