Need a lawyer but can’t afford one? Some think lawyers are costly, but not all are.
Personal injury lawyers often offer free consultations and work to make their services affordable. You can get help without paying upfront fees.
Your Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Free
Personal injury lawyers typically offer free initial consultations because they understand the financial strain caused by accidents.
Charging for consultations would limit access to only financially well-off clients, which isn’t a good business strategy.
If a lawyer charges a consultation fee, consider seeking legal help elsewhere.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Costs You Nothing Upfront and Nothing Unless You Win
Personal injury lawyers need to earn money to cover their expenses and make a living.
Charging by the hour or upfront fees isn’t practical for clients who can’t afford it, so they typically work on a contingent fee basis.
How Contingency Works
Personal injury lawyers don’t charge hourly fees or upfront costs.
Instead, they work on a contingency basis, meaning they get a percentage of the settlement they secure for the client.
This percentage depends on various factors, and clients can negotiate it.
The lawyer may also handle case expenses, which can be negotiated.
Contingent fees align the lawyer’s interests with the client’s, ensuring they both aim to maximize the settlement efficiently.
Lawyers take this risk because it helps clients who can’t afford upfront payments and ensures they get paid only if the case succeeds.
Not Hiring a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Is Costly
While initial consultations with lawyers are free, you might wonder about paying them from your settlement.
Consider the risks of not hiring one.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and representing yourself can cost you.
As an injury victim, you have valuable legal rights, including the ability to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (from ER visits to therapy).
- Out-of-pocket costs (household help, property repairs).
- Lost wages and income.
- Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
In some cases, you can pursue punitive damages for extreme negligence.
Insurers usually don’t cover these, but an attorney can advocate for you in court.
The severity of your injury could make your case worth a substantial amount.
Don’t Pursue Compensation on Your Own
Handling a personal injury claim alone may seem cost-effective, but it’s not wise.
Defense lawyers and insurance companies can exploit you, and it may hinder your credibility with judges and juries.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to dissuade you from getting a lawyer.
Don’t fall for it; consult a skilled personal injury lawyer to know your case’s true worth and protect your rights.
Hire the Right Lawyer
Consider who you trust to handle your valuable personal injury claim.
Opt for a lawyer experienced in your specific case type, not just someone who dabbles in personal injury.
Look for documented results in similar cases.
Choosing the wrong lawyer can be costly, similar to representing yourself.