Whether lawyers charge commission or fixed rates on personal injury cases may concern you when seeking legal counsel. The answer may impact the cost of your legal counsel and the compensation you receive from your lawsuit. Legal professionals can bill for their services in various ways. The one they select can depend on several factors.
First, it is important to understand the difference between commission and fixed rates. Fixed rates are affirmed in advance and do not depend on the outcome of the case. In contrast, commission-based fees are calculated as a percentage of the client’s compensation. Although fixed rates are occasionally used, commission-based fees are most frequently used in personal injury cases.
Lawyers often charge a contingency fee, which is a type of commission-based fee, in individual injury cases. In other words, the client doesn’t pay anything up front, but the lawyer receives a portion of the settlement money the client gets if the case is successful. Clients needing more financial means to pay for legal representation up front may benefit from this fee structure.
Some attorneys may set a fixed rate for their services in personal injury cases. This fee structure is common when the case is complicated and time-consuming. For cases where the client is unlikely to receive a sizable settlement, attorneys may charge a flat fee.
When considering a fixed-rate fee structure, clients should be fully aware of the services they will receive and the cost they will be responsible for paying. The complexity of the case, the potential financial reward, and the attorney’s experience and skill level can influence whether a lawyer uses a commission-based or fixed-rate fee structure. Clients should keep these in mind when choosing a lawyer to represent them.
Ultimately, clients should consider the fee structure, the potential compensation, and the lawyer’s expertise before choosing a lawyer to represent them in a personal injury case. At Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, our skilled attorneys represent victims wrongfully harmed by someone else’s negligence. Contact us today to get started.