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(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
March 8, 2023 by Greg Baumgartner
If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, the last thing you need is the added burden of finding a way to pay a lawyer to protect your legal rights and interests. Many personal injury lawyers understand this reality and utilize a contingency fee arrangement.
The contingent fee arrangement is used in Houston for all types of personal injury cases, like car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful death cases.
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which an attorney agrees to represent the client in exchange for a percentage of any settlement or award obtained on the client’s behalf. The fee is paid only if the lawyer wins money for the client.
If no money is won for the client, the client does not owe a fee to the lawyer under most contingent fee arrangements. You should always read the engagement or fee documents and ask questions before signing them. Fees and expenses can vary by state and law firm. Read the paperwork closely to learn the cost of hiring an attorney.
A personal injury lawyer’s contingency fee allows accident victims to obtain a good lawyer whom they may otherwise be unable to afford.
First, as mentioned, this arrangement allows you to obtain experienced legal representation without incurring the cost of a retainer. Getting the best personal injury attorney costs no more than a lesser lawyer.
Second, because a personal injury attorney agrees to a contingency fee agreement, you can rest assured that a lawyer identifies merit in your case. An attorney will not want to spend time and money on a case they don’t believe they will win!
Third, you will not be required to fund the lawyer or the case out of your pocket. The fees and expenses are usually covered by the damages the attorney recovers. It is best not to worry about how much the lawyer makes; instead, focus on how much money you put in your pocket.
Through a contingency fee agreement, a lawyer who takes your case also addresses the expenses associated with the personal injury claim. In any personal injury case, there will be costs related to pursuing a settlement with an insurance company or a judgment in a lawsuit.
For example, an expert witness may be required to support the contentions, or the costs of filing fees or court reporters. Court filing fees and expenses, such as those for court reporters and investigation fees, add up.
For an injury law firm to take a personal injury case on a contingency fee basis, it must estimate the odds of winning and the time required to determine whether it is a case it wants to handle.
Initial investigations are usually conducted in serious injury or wrongful death cases. Before signing a contingency fee agreement, it is crucial to read and thoroughly understand it.
With a contingency fee arrangement, at least on personal injury matters, an attorney or law firm usually pays the case’s expenses. These costs are reimbursed out of the claim if money is paid in the case.
Remember that your attorney is spending money that they have already spent on expenses in another case. Lawyers will not usually spend their money unless they believe it will help your case.
The contingency fee concept has its critics. These individuals argue that contingency fee agreements contribute to the proliferation of meritless or frivolous lawsuits. However, personal injury lawyer contingency fees are vital to protecting the rights of many.
This contention is without merit. An attorney will not want to invest time, effort, and other resources in a truck accident lawsuit they don’t believe they will win! Accordingly, an 18-wheeler settlement would pay the lawyer out of the settlement, with the net going to the client. If the attorney does not like the odds, he will decline the case.
Without a contingency fee arrangement, many hardworking individuals would be unable to protect their legal interests due to the costs associated with hiring a trial lawyer. They would not be able to seek justice in situations where they have been injured and suffered losses due to the negligence of another party.
Without contingency fee arrangements, the alternative is attorney fees of several hundred dollars or more per hour, billed in 15-minute increments, and retainers in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
Hourly attorney fees are paid win, lose, or draw. However, contingent fee arrangements only pay the attorney if money changes hands. Most people are unaware of the high cost of litigation and the extensive attorney work required to bring a case to a successful conclusion. Studies have shown that individuals who have an experienced a personal injury attorney will receive more compensation.
If you are injured because of the negligence of another party. In that case, you must not let a lack of ready money for attorney fees dissuade you from seeking talented, committed legal counsel.
A personal injury lawyer’s contingent fee arrangement benefits you and your attorney. Injury victims may not have the financial means to afford an hourly lawyer.
Personal injury lawsuits in Texas are very time-consuming and expensive to handle.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we accept all personal injury cases in Houston on a contingency fee basis. Some of the cases we accept include:
An experienced, reputable personal injury attorney in Texas, like a member of the legal team in Houston at the Baumgartner Law Firm, can provide you with the experienced, diligent representation you need on a contingency fee basis—call (281) 587-1111 for a FREE consultation on an injury accident.
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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