When you’ve been injured in a preventable accident like a motor vehicle crash, work place injury, slip and fall, dog bite, or act of medical malpractice, two concerns may soon hit. One is your medical bills, which increase with every doctor or hospital visit. The other is your finances – when you’re too injured to work, how can you meet your living and medical expenses, let alone hire a personal injury lawyer?
In this situation, contingency fee arrangements offer a solution. Contingency lawyers do not charge clients an upfront fee – instead, their payment is contingent upon winning the case. This model ensures that legal representation is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Injured victims seeking capable and reliable representation in Michigan can turn to Conybeare Law Office. Known for our team of dedicated attorneys, we pride ourselves on making justice accessible. Whether you’re searching for ‘contingency lawyers near me’ or need legal advice without the burden of immediate fees, Conybeare Law Office is here for you. Our approach not only removes any financial barrier, but also demonstrates our confidence in achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment structure that differs significantly from traditional hourly rates or retainer fees. Under a contingency arrangement, a client does not pay any upfront costs to retain the services of an attorney. Instead, the attorney’s fees (typically a predetermined percentage of the settlement or judgment amount) are contingent upon winning the case. If the case is unsuccessful, the client owes nothing for the lawyer’s services.
At Conybeare Law Office, we operate on a contingency fee basis in cases like the following:
- Car Accident: If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. Our Kalamazoo car accident lawyers are experienced in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Motorcycle Accident: Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, and our law firm is prepared to advocate on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis to ensure you receive the necessary resources to recover without upfront costs.
- Truck Accident: Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, these accidents can be catastrophic. Conybeare Law Office’s skilled contingency attorneys focus on holding negligent parties accountable and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
- Slip and Fall: Slip and fall cases require you to prove negligence on the part of property owners. Conybeare Law Office handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, helping victims recover monetary damages for their injuries without initial fees.
- Medical Malpractice: If you’ve suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence, it’s essential to have strong legal representation. The experienced contingency lawyers at Conybeare Law Office can prepare and pursue medical malpractice claims to secure just compensation.
- Animal Attacks: Animal attacks can be traumatic and lead to significant physical and emotional injuries. Conybeare Law Office works on a contingency fee agreement to ensure you can pursue justice without worrying about the cost of legal services.
The “no win, no fee” model is particularly appealing because it minimizes your financial risk. This model ensures that legal help is accessible to those who might not be able to afford it otherwise. It also aligns the personal injury attorney’s interests with those of the client, as both parties benefit directly from a successful outcome.
Cost of Filing a Claim in Michigan
The cost of filing a personal injury claim in Michigan can be high. Common legal expenses include court fees (which are necessary for filing the lawsuit) and administrative fees that cover the various operational tasks. There are also costs associated with gathering evidence, such as fees for obtaining records and expert witnesses. These expenses are critical components of a legal claim but they add up.
At Conybeare Law Office, we address these concerns through our contingency fee arrangement. For those searching for “contingency lawyers near me,” our firm stands out by not requiring clients to shoulder these costs upfront. Instead, we advance all necessary fees associated with the lawsuit. This means that our clients can proceed with their claims without the immediate financial stress these costs might entail.
Charges in a Contingency Fee Agreement
A contingency fee agreement simplifies the financial aspect of legal representation, especially for those searching for “contingency lawyers near me.” This arrangement, however, involves a few specific charges that are important to understand first.
Charges Included in a Contingency Fee Agreement
In a typical contingency fee arrangement, two main types of charges are included:
- Lawyer’s Fee: This is a percentage of the injury settlement or judgment obtained. At Conybeare Law Office, our fee is capped at 33 ⅓% of the total settlement, in line with state guidelines. This means if a settlement is reached, your lawyer’s fee would be a third of the recovery amount after deducting case expenses.
- Case Expenses: These are costs incurred during the litigation process, such as filing fees, costs to obtain medical records, expert witness service fees, and other miscellaneous expenses necessary to build and resolve the case.
Conybeare Law Office calculates its attorney fees based directly on the compensation received after a case concludes. If no compensation is awarded, no fees are charged to the client for attorney services.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Additional Costs or Hidden Fees
Many clients are worried about unexpected costs or hidden fees. At Conybeare Law Office, transparency in billing is paramount: potential costs and fees are discussed upfront during the initial consultation, and the details of what is covered by the contingency fee and what might be additional are outlined in the agreement. There are no hidden charges. Any expenses that might be required outside of the contingency agreement are fully disclosed.
This approach ensures that our clients are fully informed before their personal injury lawsuit begins. By choosing us as your contingency basis lawyers, you opt for a firm that is committed to fairness, transparency, and achieving the best possible results for you.
What to Expect When Working with a Contingency Lawyer
Working with a contingency basis lawyer is generally a smooth, client-centered experience from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect during each phase of the process.
Initial Consultation
The first step is a free initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your case, understand your objectives, and evaluate how we can assist you. This is an opportunity for you to ask your prospective lawyer any questions you may have about the legal process or our approach. We ensure complete transparency about the contingency fee agreement by explaining what it covers and how it benefits you.
Case Evaluation and Strategy Development
Once you decide to proceed, we will begin a detailed evaluation of your case. Our legal team gathers all necessary information, documents, and evidence to build a robust legal strategy. During this phase, we also handle all necessary filings and procedural requirements to advance your case.
Ongoing Communication and Updates
Conybeare Law Office is committed to keeping you informed throughout every stage of your case. We provide regular updates and are always available to answer your questions or discuss any concerns you might have. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported and confident in the progress of your case.
Negotiation and Resolution
As your case moves forward, we will represent your interests in all negotiations with the opposing party and their insurance company. Our skilled attorneys aim to secure the best possible settlement that reflects the true value of your accident claim. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are prepared to represent you vigorously in court.
Final Settlement and Fee
Upon the successful resolution of your case, your contingency fee attorney will finalize the distribution of the settlement amount. Our fees will be clearly itemized as agreed in the initial contingency agreement, ensuring no surprises. We pride ourselves on a transparent fee structure that aligns with the outcomes we deliver.
How a Contingency Lawyer Can Help You
The primary role of a contingency lawyer is to provide legal representation to clients who may not have the means to pay upfront fees. These lawyers handle cases ranging from personal injury to workers’ compensation and civil rights violations. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing the merits of a case before agreeing to take it on, ensuring that it has a reasonable chance of success.
- Handling all aspects of the client’s legal matter, including filing the necessary documents, conducting discovery, and representing the client in court.
- Working to achieve the best possible settlement award for the client, by negotiating with the opposing side or their insurance carrier.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer will represent the client in court, presenting the case to a judge or jury.
One of the significant advantages of hiring a contingency lawyer is their financial motivation to win your case. Since their fee is contingent upon the successful resolution of the case, they are inherently motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you. This alignment of interests offers several strategic benefits:
- Your lawyer shares in the risk of the litigation. If the case is unsuccessful, they do not receive a fee, which motivates them to work diligently to win.
- Contingency lawyers are motivated to maximize the settlement or judgment amount because their fee is a percentage of the award. This often results in them striving to obtain the highest possible compensation for their clients.
By leveraging the motivated representation of a contingency lawyer, you can pursue your legal rights with confidence, knowing that you have skilled professionals on your side who are as invested in your case as you are.
Book Your Free Consultation With Contingency Lawyers Near You
Conybeare Law Office serves all of Southwest Michigan from our offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with the professional, client-focused representation you deserve. Let us help you pursue your personal injury claim with confidence and support you every step of the way.
To schedule your free initial consultation, call 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!