An injury has left you unable to work or enjoy a regular lifestyle. The accident happened because of gross negligence, but the defendant is denying responsibility. Should you hire a personal injury attorney?
Depending on the injury, you should. Personal injury attorneys specialize in helping victims get compensation for their injuries. The only problem is getting the money.
Attorneys charge an arm and a leg for their services. But how much really do they cost to hire?
Keep reading to find out how much you can expect to pay, as well as what to look for while shopping around for an attorney.
The Nature of the Injury
If an injury requires extensive medical treatment that could last weeks, months, or even years, the attorney will likely require more billable hours that would increase the cost of their services. On the other hand, minor injuries may require minimal medical attention and less lawyer involvement, thus reducing the cost of the attorney’s services.
Additionally, the types of damages that are being sought such as economic, non-economic, and punitive could affect how long the case may take and its complexity, which in turn could affect the cost to hire an attorney.
The Skill Level of the Attorney
A more experienced personal injury lawyer will typically charge higher rates for their services as they have greater knowledge and expertise in the law. Attorneys with a wealth of experience in the field may be better suited to handle complex personal injury cases and achieve successful results, so they will typically be more expensive.
On the other hand, attorneys with less experience may charge lower rates as they don’t have the same level of knowledge and expertise in the field.
Location and Transportation Costs
Transportation costs will obviously depend on how far you need to travel in order to visit your attorney; if they are down the road, it will cost less than if you have to fly or take a train. You may also need to factor in the cost of hotel accommodation if you have to stay overnight.
Location can also play a role in the cost of an attorney, when hiring an attorney from a big city, for example, you may find their rates are usually higher. Additionally, each attorney has their own fee structure, so you could compare quotes from several lawyers without having to take into account the cost of transport.
Flat Rate vs. Hourly Rate
There are two primary ways attorneys structure their rates: a flat rate or an hourly rate. A flat rate agreement is where a client pays a set amount up front for the lawyer to handle the case.
Many experienced car accident attorneys charge a flat rate to represent you in negotiations and in obtaining a settlement. However, that certainty also may bring with it a reduced incentive for attorneys to work as hard as they might on an hourly rate. An hourly rate, on the other hand, is where the client pays by the hour.
Understand The Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Given the wide range of costs to hire a personal injury attorney, it is advisable to research options in advance to make sure you have found the best fit for your budget and needs. Take the time to reach out to different attorneys for a free consultation to get more information about their specialization, fees, and the overall process. This could lead to a successful outcome of the case.
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