Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Chicago can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial challenges after an accident. You might wonder if you can afford legal help during such a stressful time. The good news is that most personal injury lawyers use a contingency fee system. This means you don’t have to pay anything upfront; the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case.
Contingency fees make it easier for everyone, regardless of financial situation, to get the legal help they need. You won’t have to worry about paying expensive hourly fees while trying to recover.
In this article, we’ll explain how lawyers are paid, what factors influence costs, and why hiring a personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help you recover fair compensation. With this information, you can make the best decision for your situation.
How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge Clients?
If you’re wondering how contingency fees work, here are the basics:
- The lawyer receives a percentage of the total amount recovered in your case. This percentage is typically 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case.
- For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and your lawyer’s fee is 33%, they would receive $33,000, leaving you with $67,000.
The percentage may increase if your case goes to trial, as litigation involves additional time and resources.
What Does “No Win, No Fee” Mean?
“No win, no fee” is a common way to describe the contingency fee arrangement. This ensures you don’t face any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for hiring a lawyer.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the contingency fee covers the lawyer’s compensation, there are often additional costs involved in pursuing a personal injury case. These may include:
- Filing Fees: Courts typically charge fees to file your case.
- Expert Witness Fees: Their fees can add up if your case requires testimony from medical or accident reconstruction experts.
- Investigation Costs: Gathering evidence, such as police reports and witness interviews, may incur costs.
- Administrative Expenses: This includes copying documents, postage, and other miscellaneous costs.
Many lawyers will advance these costs on your behalf and deduct them from your final settlement or verdict. Be sure to discuss how these expenses will be handled during your initial consultation.
Factors That Influence the Cost of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Several factors can affect the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Chicago:
- Case complexity
- Time and resources required
- Type of Injury
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial
Keeping an open line of communication with your lawyer will be critical to understanding the total cost of their services.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Worth It
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they worry about the cost. However, having legal help often leads to much higher compensation.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer, including:
- Experience: Personal injury lawyers know Illinois laws and understand how to build a strong case for your situation.
- Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are trained to deal with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Resources: A lawyer can connect with experts, gather evidence, and use investigative tools to make your case stronger.
Hiring a lawyer gives you an advantage when dealing with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Lawyer Costs
Will I Have to Pay Anything Upfront?
No. With a contingency fee arrangement, you won’t pay any upfront costs for legal representation. Your lawyer’s fee and case expenses will be deducted from the settlement or verdict.
What Happens if I Don’t Win My Case?
If your lawyer doesn’t recover compensation for you, you won’t owe them any fees. However, some lawyers may require reimbursement for case-related expenses, so it’s essential to discuss this during your consultation.
Can I Afford a Lawyer for a Small Claim?
Even if your claim involves modest damages, many lawyers will take the case if they believe it’s strong. A lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, even for smaller claims.
Call Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Understanding the costs of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Chicago is an essential step in protecting your rights after an accident. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (312) 635-5400 and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.