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(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
January 29, 2016 by Greg Baumgartner
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.
The total settlement amount should be the top line of any accounting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spend a little time investigating the law firm and the attorney you are considering. You will save yourself a lot of grief later on!
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
Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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