If you’re worried about high lawyer fees for your slip-and-fall case, then it is recommended to speak with a slip-and-fall lawyer who will work on a contingency basis. Contingency means a lawyer will be awarded an agreed-upon percentage of your total settlement ONLY if they win your case. Their fee is based on the contingency that they win your case.
Contingency Fee Arrangements for Slip-and-Fall Lawyers in California
According to the American Bar Association, most slip-and-fall lawyers will accept a fixed percentage of the final settlement amount if the plaintiff (their client) wins their case. If the plaintiff loses their case, then they are not responsible for paying any lawyer’s fees whatsoever.
A slip-and-fall lawyer’s fees are usually a percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement with the insurance company or jury verdict. Typical contingency fees range anywhere from 30% – 40% with your signed agreement stating the exact percentage amount. Oftentimes, law firms will stagger their percentage, so they can get a higher percentage if your case goes to court due to the increased amount of trial work required.
Some lawyers may elect to only work on a retainer. In this case, a specified payment is required for the attorney to begin working on your case. However, injured motorcycle accident victims should be wary of entering into a retainer agreement as they could be non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your case.
In certain circumstances, some slip-and-fall lawyers will charge an hourly fee for their services. Hundreds of hours are spent on personal injury cases like slip-and-falls, so accident victims should be cautious before agreeing to an hourly wage. Hourly wages can be several hundred dollars per hour, which can end up costing a substantial sum, even if the case is not successful.
Costs Associated with Partnering with a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in California
Depending on your case, there could be additional costs that will be taken out of your settlement. An experienced lawyer should make you aware of additional costs as they arise, however, it is always good to understand the expenses you may be accumulating as your lawsuit progresses. Fees and costs associated with a slip-and-fall claim may include:
- Copy fees
- Cost of obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other necessary records
- Cost of securing expert witnesses
- Cost of travel and lodging expenses for you and anyone else involved in your case
- Expenses related to independent accident investigations
- Deposition costs and fees
- Postage costs
- Trial costs (if necessary)
How Do Fee Agreements Work if I Change Slip-and-Fall Lawyers in California?
Let’s say you are 8 months into a high-value, personal injury case. As of late, it is becoming impossible to contact your law firm, and your concern mounts as they have yet to file the complaint. Your firm has barely scratched the surface of your case, only collecting your medical records and speaking to a couple of witnesses. In cases like this, it is common to wonder about switching lawyers. Before you make the switch, you might ask yourself, “Will my old lawyers still be entitled to a percentage of my settlement?”
The short answer is, yes. However, your old law firm is not entitled to the percentage you originally agreed upon. Instead, your old attorney will only receive payment for the amount of work they’ve done on your case. This is referred to as “Quantum Meruit,” which means, “as much as deserved.” If your former law firm has done hardly any work, then they will only be entitled to a small amount. Your new attorney will be responsible for negotiating with your former firm as to how much compensation they can receive from your settlement.
It is important to note, that there will most likely be delays in your case for switching attorneys, but a temporary setback may seem worth it if you are unhappy with your current representation.
Contact a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in California
If you’re looking to maximize your slip-and-fall settlement, the personal injury attorneys at Maison Law will build a strong case on your behalf and aggressively pursue the compensation you need. We’ll guide you through the complex legal process and ensure you get the most out of your slip-and-fall claim. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required for our legal services and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
