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March 18, 2013

When You Need a Lawyer

Legal Fees and Expenses

What are contingent fees?

A client pays a contingent fees to a lawyer only if the lawyer handles a case successfully. Lawyers and clients use this arrangement only in cases where money is being claimed—most often in cases involving personal injury or workers' compensation.

In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage (often one third) of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client. If you win the case, the lawyer's fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money, but you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case.

On the other hand, win or lose, you probably will have to pay court filing fees, the costs related to deposing witnesses, and similar charges.

>>What billing method do most lawyers use?
>>What are contingent fees?
>>If my lawyer and I agree to a contingent fee arrangement, shouldn't the method of settling my case affect the amount of my lawyer's fee?
>>Is there anything I can do to reduce my legal costs?
>>Can I reduce my legal costs if I get more involved in my case?


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