One of the most common questions we get asked by Central Florida accident victims looking for an attorney to represent them is how much a lawyer costs. At the King Law Firm, we’re dedicated to serving you and helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. That’s why we work with you on a contingency basis, which means we get paid a percentage of your final settlement. If you don’t get a settlement, we don’t get paid. Learn more about how contingency fees work and what personal injury attorneys charge in Florida below.
What is a Contingency Fee?
Many personal injury lawyers, including our law firm in Central Florida and many other personal injury lawyers, charge fees on a contingency basis. This structure allows you to work with an experienced attorney with little or no upfront cost. Your lawyer’s fee is paid out of your final settlement amount. We are compensated based on a percentage of the money we can recover for you, not on an hourly or flat fee basis.
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
When you work with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, they’re only paid if you successfully recover compensation for your case. This incentivizes your lawyer to fight for your case and recover as much as possible for your injuries. Before taking on the case, you and your attorney will discuss and agree on a percentage of the final settlement they will receive and any other fees that will be taken out of the settlement.
When Do Personal Injury Lawyers Get Paid?
Personal injury attorneys who work on a contingency basis receive a percentage of your final settlement. This means they get paid at the resolution of your case—and not before. This allows you to have fair and adequate representation without paying upfront fees during a stressful time when you’re dealing with the cost of increased medical care and are out of work during your recovery.
How Much Do Personal Injury Attorneys Get Paid For Each Case?
The Florida Bar sets guidelines for contingency-based lawyer fees to prevent lawyers from overcharging excessive fees for their services. These guidelines dictate that lawyers cannot receive more than 33.3% of the recovery for cases worth up to $1 million if settled before requesting litigation. Cases that go to litigation could receive up to 40% of the recovery due to the increased time commitment of litigation. Lawyers could receive an additional percentage for cases worth one to two million.
What Circumstances Impact A Lawyer’s Fee?
You and your lawyer will agree to a percentage rate when taking on your case. The factors that impact what percentage a lawyer could receive for your case based on the time needed to represent you accurately include:
- Case complexity—Cases involving fatalities or significant, permanent injuries require more time to settle.
- Case circumstances—Complicated accidents where it’s difficult to determine who’s at fault or accidents involving multiple vehicles and significant property damage will take more time to litigate, which may require a higher rate.
- Duration—Disputed cases or cases involving lots of eyewitness testimony will take longer, resulting in a higher fee
- Experience—Lawyers determine their percentage rate, so lawyers with more knowledge and results may charge higher fees.
Let The King Law Firm Represent You
At The King Law Firm, initial consultations are always free. We represent our clients on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe any fees until we recover compensation for you. If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s crucial to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer to take up your cause. Contact our team at 352-629-8747 for your free consultation.
