A few attorneys have a bad reputation for charging excessive fees. Clients who aren’t prepared for the cost of legal representation may be shocked to learn that they need it, or possibly find that they simply cannot afford it. In your haste to get a lawyer, here are 7 important things to think about.
Get the Data First
First things first: familiarize yourself with the various methods that lawyers can charge you. Legal fees can be structured in three primary ways: flat rates, hourly rates, and contingency fees. One might be more appropriate than the other, depending on how complicated your case is.
You should bring this issue right away with your lawyer, and you should be ready to choose another one if their billing approach doesn’t work for you.
Think About an Hourly Rate
Here, you pay only for the time that your workers compensation attorney spends working on your case. You should keep your sessions with your lawyer brief and to the point if you’ve agreed to pay by the hour. Additionally, be aware that some attorneys demand an upfront payment to cover a predetermined amount of hours.
Think About Using a Contingency Fee
So, the lawyer will accept a cut of your settlement or award—but only if they succeed in court. It is important to negotiate issues like these in advance if you want your lawyer to accept a reduced share in an out-of-court settlement because it will take less time for them to handle the case.
Formal Requests for Payment
One of the best ways to avoid disagreements and clear any confusion is to have a written contract. Regardless of your state’s requirement, it is recommended that you and your lawyer have a formal agreement outlining the services to be rendered, the associated costs, and the level of detail that will be included in the final invoice.
Cut the Extras
The cost of your case can quickly balloon due to office and administrative fees, which can include everything from photocopying and paralegal fees to court charges and travel expenses.
Verify sure the agreed-upon price covers all services and expenses. If they aren’t, you should get a quote for those expenses before you commit to their conditions.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Lawyers’ rates depend on a lot of factors, one of which is their standing in the community. Lawyers in major cities typically command greater fees due to the elevated status they are believed to possess.
Because of the impact of state and municipal licensing fees, geography is an important factor in determining rates. Soak up the low rates offered by a personal injury attorney who practices outside of large cities; it’s worth a shot.
Look for a Cheaper Lawyer
Consider more than one offer. Before hiring an attorney for simple services like wills and contracts, do your research and talk to several attorneys. Shopping around for personal injury cases with high legal fees is advised. Informing lawyers of your possibilities will increase negotiation.