Worried you cannot afford a lawyer? Personal injury cases are handled on contingency - no money down, and no attorney's fee unless there is a recovery. Here is what that really means.
Many people put off getting help after an injury for one reason: they assume they cannot afford a lawyer. It is a completely understandable worry - you are already facing medical bills and lost income, and hiring an attorney sounds like one more expense you cannot take on.
Personal injury law is different. The contingency-fee model exists precisely so that the people who most need representation are not shut out by cost. Here is how it actually works.
A contingency fee means you do not pay anything upfront to get started. There is no hourly billing and no retainer to write a check for. Instead, the attorney's fee is a percentage of what is ultimately recovered in your case.
If there is no recovery, there is no attorney's fee. The financial risk of pursuing the claim shifts away from you - which also means your lawyer has a direct stake in getting you the best possible result.
The fee is agreed to in writing at the outset, so there are no surprises. It is expressed as a percentage of the recovery, and you will know that number before anything moves forward.
Case costs - things like filing fees, records requests, and expert input - are handled separately and explained clearly up front, so you understand how they are managed and how they factor into any settlement.
Before any of that, the initial case review costs nothing and comes with no obligation. It is simply a conversation to understand what happened, whether you have a viable claim, and what your options are.
You are free to ask every question you have - about the process, the timeline, and the fee - and to decide afterward whether you want to move forward at all.
The point of contingency fees is access. An injured person should be able to stand on equal footing with a well-funded insurance company regardless of what is in their bank account.
By aligning the attorney's compensation with your outcome, the model makes serious representation available to people who could never pay hundreds of dollars an hour - which is most of us.
Cost should not be the reason you never find out whether you have a case. With no upfront payment and no fee unless you recover, the only thing a consultation costs you is a little time.
If money has been holding you back from asking questions, this is the barrier that does not really exist. Reach out for a free, no-obligation review.
Get a free, confidential case review. You pay nothing unless we recover for you - so there's no risk in finding out where you stand.
Matthew Di Chiara, Esq.
Personal injury attorney serving New Jersey. Focused on personalized representation, clear communication, and pursuing the best possible outcome for every client.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and deadlines change and apply differently to each situation - consult a licensed attorney about your specific circumstances. Attorney Advertising.
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Your consultation is free and confidential. You pay nothing unless we recover for you - so there's no risk in finding out your options.