Contingency Fee Lawyers Working for the Injured
If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay. It’s as simple as that.
When clients come to Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC it’s usually because they are injured, out of work, and need help recovering compensation for their damages. Under these conditions, our law firm realizes how stressful it can be to think about how you’re going to pay for legal services. Likewise, our attorneys strongly believe that everyone should have access to a lawyer when they need it, which is why we offer our clients legal representation on a contingency fee basis.
What does “contingency fee” mean?
In the truest sense of the words, a contingency fee simply means your attorney’s fees are contingent upon making a financial recovery in your case. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t have to pay anything. Fees are different from law firm to law firm and may change depending on whether the attorney files a lawsuit and/or takes your case to trial, but you can generally expect to pay one-third of any judgment or settlement the firm obtains on your behalf.
Most people who have been injured and are seeking legal help find a contingency fee agreement more attractive than paying hourly fees since there are no out-of-pocket costs and any funds the attorney receives for services are dependent on the outcome of the client’s case. With a contingency fee agreement, you can also take comfort knowing that your lawyer will work hard to get the best possible outcome in your case, as any compensation your attorney receives hinges on their ability to win your claim.
One of the main reasons law firms offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis is to give clients access to the court system, irrespective of the client’s ability to pay for an attorney.
What services are included in a contingency fee?
When you meet with us for a free consultation, we will spell out all the services included in a written contingency fee agreement. In general, services included in a standard contingency fee include:
- Investigating your accident: time and labor to review documents, track down witnesses, take depositions, and acquire other evidence needed to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Negotiating with your doctors and medical providers to reduce your bills, potentially putting more money in your pocket.
- Filing a lawsuit and litigating your case, if necessary.
In addition, we handle property damage claims for our injury clients as a courtesy.
Does a contingency fee include other expenses?
For the most part, a contingency fee only covers your lawyer’s time and labor. Other expenses that were paid upfront by the law firm to advance your claim may not be included in your agreement. These expenses may include:
- Court costs
- Filing fees
- Copying costs
- Charges related to obtaining expert witness testimony
- Fees for depositions
- The cost to serve summons and subpoenas
Watch out for discount lawyers
Beware of attorneys who try to undercut the competition by charging significantly lower fees, some as low as 25 percent. Those lawyers don’t have the resources to thoroughly investigate cases or take a hard line in negotiations with the insurance company, so while you may keep a larger percentage, it’s often a percentage of a smaller recovery. They also may not negotiate with medical providers to put more money in your pocket or handle property damage claims, leaving you struggling to repair or replace your vehicle.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If an attorney competes with others on price, it’s most likely because they can’t compete on quality of service. Remember, you only get one shot at compensation: once your case settles, that’s it. Make your case count with a law firm that puts in the work to build strong cases and get meaningful results.
Let Mani Ellis & Layne fight for the compensation you deserve
We can appreciate the fact that you might feel anxious about contacting a lawyer for legal help because you’re worried you won’t be able to afford it, but our dedicated legal team would be honored to meet with you to address your concerns and discuss your potential legal case. In addition to offering our clients legal representation on a contingency fee basis, we provide free and confidential consultations. Contact our West Virginia and Central Ohio law firm today to learn your legal rights and options.
“I got Mani Ellis and Layne for a car wreck I was in, and Kelly and Jon were awesome. They were on top of things and got the job done. They were always so pleasant and understanding. They made me and my family feel like we were part of their family. I have used them for other things after my wreck, and they were still great. Would recommend them for anyone needing a law firm." – 5-star review by Crystal A. on Google
