When someone else’s negligent actions have injured you, you could have the legal right to pursue compensation.
Hiring a lawyer can help you handle all the legal aspects of your claim.
Understandably, some people are concerned about the potential costs of legal representation and want to know how to hire a personal injury attorney for free.
Most people don’t realize that retaining a personal injury lawyer is affordable because you don’t need to pay anything upfront.
Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on a Contingency Basis
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis.
That means you won’t pay anything upfront nor pay any hourly legal fees for an attorney every time they work on your case.
This arrangement essentially makes hiring a personal injury attorney free.
So, if they don’t charge money upfront, how does an attorney get paid for their legal services?
With a contingency fee agreement, the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement or trial award.
The fee agreement may require a certain percentage if your case resolves during settlement negotiations.
But this percentage may increase if negotiations fail, and the lawyer must file a lawsuit and pursue litigation.
For example, if your case settles during negotiations, your attorney might take 30% of that settlement as their fee.
But if the case goes to trial, it requires a great deal more work, so the agreement might state that they get 40% of any trial award.
The law office will typically also front the court filing fees and any other associated costs with a contingency fee agreement.
This can include anything from court reporter fees to the cost of hiring an expert.
These expenses can really add up, and it’s in your best interests that the lawyer cover those costs and recoup them after the case is settled.
How to Find a Missouri Personal Injury Attorney That’s Affordable
Finding the right personal injury lawyer can take some work. You should meet with a few different firms and have a list of questions ready.
You need to know what fees each firm charges so there are no surprises.
Some firms only handle pre-litigation settlement talks, and if a lawsuit becomes necessary, they may transfer the file to another firm.
In your interview, these questions. You can also ask what additional costs they anticipate.
While they can’t give you an exact figure, attorneys know the general range for similar cases.
After meeting with a few law offices, you can decide which personal injury attorney is affordable and the best option for your needs.
Remember, the “cheapest” option isn’t always the best.
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, you should consider all factors. Don’t decide solely on who offers the lowest contingency fee agreement.
You want a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who is qualified to handle your specific legal problem.
If you have a medical malpractice claim, you don’t want a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Joplin, MO
If you’re searching online for an affordable personal injury lawyer in Missouri, contact the Cottrell Law Office.
Attorney Wesley Cottrell has years of experience assisting injured victims just like you.
We know what a difficult time this is for you and your family, and we understand the need to save on legal fees.
Please schedule a consultation with the Cottrell Law Office to learn more about how we can assist you with all your Missouri personal injury needs.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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