If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. From medical bills to lost wages, the financial burden can add up quickly. That’s where a skilled and experienced Ft. Lauderdale personal injury attorney can help ease your worries. But how much will it cost you?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the fees and expenses associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer, so you know exactly what to expect.

Personal Injury Lawyers & Contingency Fees

Most personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront fees or hourly rates.

So how does a contingency fee arrangement work? Essentially, your lawyer will only be paid if they are successful in obtaining compensation for you. If they are able to secure a settlement or win your case at trial, they will receive a percentage of the total amount recovered as their fee.

The advantage of this system is that it allows individuals who may not have the financial resources to hire an attorney upfront to still have access to quality legal representation.

The Florida Bar Regulates the Percentages Lawyers May Charge

In the Sunshine State, the fees charged by personal injury lawyers are regulated by the Florida Bar.

This official body has established guidelines regarding the percentages that lawyers may charge as contingency fees. Rule 4-1.5 sets clear limits for contingency fee percentages a personal injury attorney in Florida may charge without prior court approval.

Settlement Fees Before a Lawsuit Complaint

In cases where a settlement is negotiated before the defendant answers a lawsuit complaint, lawyers can charge up to:

• 33 1/3 of any recovery up to $1 million
• 30% of any portion of the settlement between $1 million and $2 million
• 20% of any portion of the settlement exceeding $2 million

It’s important to note that fees for settlements negotiated prior to filing a lawsuit tend to be lower compared to those obtained during litigation. This is because negotiating early on helps avoid additional costs and expenses related to court proceedings.

Discussing your case with an experienced injury attorney will help you understand how much it may cost based on your specific circumstances and ensure you receive proper representation throughout the legal process without any surprises along the way!

Fees for Trial

A defendant has 20 days to respond to a lawsuit complaint. If the defendant answers the complaint within 20 days or the case goes to trial, a lawyer can charge up to:

• 40% of any settlement up to $1 million
• 30% of any settlement between $1 million and $2 million
• 20% of any settlement exceeding $2 million

Costs and Expenses Related to the Case

Apart from lawyer fees, various costs and expenses may arise during a personal injury case. These costs can include:

• Medical records fees are often necessary in order to obtain important documentation for your case. These fees can vary depending on the complexity of your medical history and the number of records needed.
• Court filing fees are required when initiating a lawsuit or responding to one. These costs cover administrative expenses associated with processing your case through the legal system.
• Expert witness fees may be incurred if expert testimony is necessary to support your claim. Experts in fields such as medicine, accident reconstruction, or vocational rehabilitation can provide valuable insight and evidence to strengthen your case.
• Deposition transcript fees may be applicable if depositions are taken during litigation. Depositions involve sworn testimonies from various parties involved in the case and their transcripts serve as important pieces of evidence.

It’s important to note that these costs and expenses are separate from the attorney’s contingency fee. Your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will typically handle these upfront costs on your behalf with an agreement that they will be reimbursed out of any settlement or award obtained in the case.

Contact an Experienced Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Today!

Navigating through personal injury claims can be complex and overwhelming without proper legal representation by your side. An experienced lawyer has knowledge of Florida laws pertaining to personal injuries and can guide you through every step of the process.

Now that you have an idea of how much it might cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, reach out to us to discuss your case. We offer each new client a free case review, so call us at (786) 686-2857!