If you have retained a Houston personal injury lawyer and have reached a settlement or other resolution of your case, you should expect a detailed accounting from the attorney. The account should set out the allocation of the settlement proceeds. Accounting after an injury settlement in Texas can be a complex process. It requires careful attention to detail.
What Should Your Attorney Let You Know After a Settlement?
Gross Settlement Amount
The total settlement amount should be the top line of any accounting.
Case Expenses (detailed)
The allocation of the settlement sheet should have a detailed listing. It must include all expenses incurred by the firm that is sought to be reimbursed by the client. Accounting after an injury settlement should be specific to the expenses for which the attorney is seeking reimbursement.
Medical Bills to be Paid Out of the Settlement
Additionally, if medical expenses or hospital liens are to be paid from the settlement proceeds, those should also be covered in the distribution sheet accounting.
Read More: Do Insurance Companies Want to Settle Injury Claims?
Ask Questions if You Don’t Understand the Accounting for an Injury Settlement
If you are unsure about any item on the settlement statement, you should ask for backup from your attorney or clarification. Additionally, before entering into any settlement, refer to your engagement letter or agreement, which sets forth the parameters for the attorney’s pay and reimbursement of expenses.
If the Case was a Personal Injury Contingency Fee, a Written Agreement Must Have Been Signed
The State Bar of Texas requires personal injury attorneys to have a signed representation agreement before representing a client in a personal injury matter. That agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of the attorney and the client, as well as the contingency fee.
Understanding the agreement before you sign it is a crucial step in retaining an attorney to assist you. How much it costs to get an attorney is only part of the equation.
Choose a Reputable Attorney
While most attorneys use similar forms and charge a similar percentage of fees, it is essential to ensure that the attorney you are considering is someone with whom you feel very comfortable before signing the agreement. We recommend that clients consult with as many auto injury attorneys as necessary to make an informed choice.
The litigation process can be very stressful and time-consuming. You must have confidence in the attorney you choose to help you through the process.
Be Wary of Too Busy Attorneys
We suggest that individuals should be cautious of attorneys who have won significant cases but do not appear to have the time for you after the paperwork has been signed. Personal service is essential for personal injury cases.
Look for an experienced attorney who has the time to dedicate to your case.
Find Out Who Will Do the Work.
We also suggest that you ask the attorney you are considering if they will be the one handling your case. Or if another associate or another attorney would do some work on your claim.
There are many law firms where a partner signs up the case, and someone else handles the work on the file. In that case, you may not be getting the bang for your buck that you thought when you signed the paperwork. So, ask upfront if any other lawyer will handle your case.
Do Research on the Lawyer Before You Sign Up
Spend a little time investigating the law firm and the attorney you are considering. You will save yourself a lot of grief later on!
Contact The Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help
If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, and need help, contact our personal injury law firm in Houston at Baumgartner Law Firm by calling (281) 587-1111.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX 77069
