People often delay calling a lawyer because they assume they cannot afford one. Personal injury representation does not work like hourly legal billing.
Contingency fees explained
In a contingency fee arrangement, you pay no attorney fee up front and no hourly rate. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, and it is only owed if the case results in a settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.
Case expenses
Separate from the fee, cases can involve costs such as medical record retrieval, filing fees, deposition transcripts, accident reconstruction, and expert witnesses. These are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. Ask for the fee agreement in writing and make sure you understand how costs are handled.
Liens and what you actually take home
Health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and medical providers may assert liens against a settlement. Reducing those liens is a meaningful part of the work, and a good result on liens can put thousands of additional dollars in your pocket.
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Have questions about what will it cost me? Every case is different, and general information is no substitute for advice about your own situation. Call us or send a short message and we'll review your case at no cost and with no obligation.
This article is general information about Illinois law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.