What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

After an accident, money may be tight. You may be out of work and facing a mountain of medical bills. If someone else is at fault for your injuries, a civil lawsuit can get you the compensation you deserve. This may include medical expenses, lost wages and even your pain and suffering.

Though you can’t afford a lawyer’s hourly fee, a contingency fee arrangement can grant you access to quality legal representation.

In a contingency fee arrangement, lawyers do not charge an hourly rate or a fixed amount. Rather, the injured person and the lawyer enter into a written agreement that the attorney’s fee will be a pre-arranged percentage of the settlement award. If the injured person does not win the case, the attorney is not paid.

Aside from lawyer’s fees, a lawsuit also involves court costs and litigation expenses such as court filing fees, witness fees and medical reports. If the case is successful, the attorney usually deducts these expenses from the injured party’s portion of the award. If the case is unsuccessful, the injured party may still be responsible for these expenses. The lawyer and the injured party may agree in the contingency fee contract that the lawyer or the firm will cover these costs regardless of the outcome of the case.

If you have been injured, a knowledgeable Clearwater personal injury attorney can help you determine whether a lawsuit is right for your situation. At the Law Office of Paul B. Genet, P.A., our team provides dedicated and personal service to each client and your initial consultation is free of charge. Call our office today.