Getting paid for work only when there is a successful outcome might seem like a peculiar concept in many professions. Imagine, for instance, a teacher who earns their paycheck only once the entire class earns all As. Seem far-fetched? Sure, in many cases, it might. But in personal injury law and workers’ compensation, being paid contingent upon one’s success is the norm for attorneys, not the exception.
Still, this arrangement might feel unfamiliar or surprising for those outside the legal realm. How can someone make a living, after all, if they don’t get paid for the work they do all the time? The answer is simpler than you might think: When you take on cases you’re confident in and win most of them, the wins add up, and the unlikely losses are absorbed.
This arrangement works for us, too. Those who have suffered an injury or disability may be dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages. They may not be in the best position to hire an attorney through a retainer or an hourly billing arrangement. Contingency fees benefit both victims and reputable law firms, allowing us to work together from the very beginning without financial limitations holding up our work.
When we take on a case, we believe strongly in our client and that those responsible for their injuries should be held accountable and compensate them for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
Rather than our clients paying us a retainer or an hourly fee, we are paid a percentage of the damages you are awarded in your settlement or when you win your case. In the unlikely scenario that you don’t prevail, you pay us nothing.
We serve the Chicagoland area – and focus heavily on serving clients in Aurora and Naperville, Illinois. It’s typical for attorney’s working on contingency to charge anywhere from 33 1/3% to 40% of the amount their clients recover as their fee. Each case is different, and before we officially work with one another, we will agree to a contingency fee based on a percentage of the total earnings of your case.
At your free consultation or at one of our initial meetings, we will go over how this fee is determined and what the percentage will be in case of a settlement, trial, or appeal.
What Are the Benefits of a Contingency Fee to the Client?
Contingency fee arrangements are a win-win for clients. At Cullotta Bravo Law, they include:
- A no-obligation, free consultation to discuss your case in detail. We will agree on a percentage of the final recovery as compensation for handling the case.
- The risk lands with our law firm, not with you. In other arrangements, such as hourly billing, you could owe substantial money if you lose in court. Contingency fees shift the risk away from you and onto us.
- Our law firm is highly motivated to win your case. We have a direct financial incentive to not only win your case, but to get you as much compensation as possible by going above and beyond.
- Knowing we have confidence that your case is winnable. We carefully screen the cases we accept. When you work with us, you have the assurance that we believe you have a good chance of prevailing.
- We negotiate with insurance companies to settle most cases, saving you from having to endure a trial in court.
Will I Owe Anything If My Case Is Unsuccessful?
This is a great question. Our agreement will clearly outline any miscellaneous expenses you will be responsible for, whether or not you win your case. These include costs associated with moving your case forward, such as fees related to:
- Court filing
- Ordering medical records
- Depositions
- Discovery
- Court reporters
- Expert witnesses
- Subpoena fees
You won’t pay upfront for these costs. If you win your case, these fees will be deducted from the damages you are awarded.
Put Us to Work for You
If you’ve suffered an accident injury and need representation, you are likely searching for an experienced personal injury lawyer with a proven track record. Contact us today at (630) 898-7800 to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Aurora, Naperville, and Chicago, IL, will help you fight for what’s rightfully yours, including lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.