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Understanding the Different Types of Attorney Fees
There are different types of legal fees based on the type of case you have. The fee structure for injury cases is different than that of criminal cases, for example. Here are some of the most common fee structures for attorneys in Alabama:
- Contingency Fee: This is most common in personal injury cases. No-win, no-fee personal injury lawyers do not charge anything upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win for you because their legal fees are deducted from the compensation you are awarded. Your contingency agreement must say which expenses will be deducted and when. After a settlement is awarded, your lawyer must give you a written closing statement showing the outcome of your case, the amount of the settlement you net after attorneys fees are deducted, and how it was calculated.
- Hourly Fee: Your lawyer may choose to set an hourly fee although this is less common for personal injury cases. With an hourly fee, you are billed for the time your attorney spends on your case. This fee structure is often used in more complex cases where the legal work required isn’t clearly defined.
- Flat Fee: This is a fixed-rate fee usually charged for more routine legal services that don’t require negotiations or court (e.g., creating a will). This fee should be clearly communicated before work begins.
Alabama attorneys are required to disclose their legal fees at the start of your case. If any unforeseen fees arise, they must be clearly communicated in writing.
At Long & Long Injury Attorneys, we work on contingency, so you never have to worry about the cost to get legal assistance after an injury. If you’re hurt, call us. We’ll help you get back on your feet and you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
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Is It Worth It to Hire an Attorney for an Injury Case?
Often, yes. You are likely to get more money with the help of an attorney. The insurance company does not want to pay you and may use tactics to discredit your case or give you a lower settlement than you deserve. A good lawyer will push back and fight for full and fair compensation that covers the extent of your damages. And because injury lawyers work on contingency, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Various factors determine the value of your case and how much compensation you are eligible to receive. During your initial case review, your attorney will be able to calculate your damages and the circumstances surrounding your accident to estimate what your case is worth. Understanding what your case is worth will help you identify a lowball settlement from the insurance company. Your attorney can handle all negotiations to get a fair settlement and hold liable parties accountable.
Learn What Your Case Could Be Worth
It’s always better to work with a personal injury lawyer than try to navigate the legal system on your own. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, Long & Long is here for you. We offer free case reviews, so contact us today to learn your legal options and how much your case could be worth. We serve Mobile, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Loxley, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Malbis, and surrounding areas.