If you have been in an accident and are wondering how to get the compensation you need, you are probably wondering how much it will cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Texas. You may be dealing with the stress of medical bills, property damage, and lost wages from missing work. Figuring out how to pay for a lawyer on top of these expenses would make anyone nervous. Luckily, most Texas personal injury attorneys, including Adam Capetillo, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe anything unless you win your case.
What is a Contingency Fee?
When a personal injury lawyer in Texas says that they takes cases on a contingency fee basis, it means they will receive a percentage of your settlement. You are not required to make an upfront payment. The personal injury lawyer is only paid if they settle or win your lawsuit. In Texas, a lawyer is only allowed to charge fees on a contingency basis in civil cases.
The contingency fee system gives clients access to legal advice and representation and provides an added incentive for attorneys to work for the highest award possible.
How Much Will My Contingency Fee Be In Sugar Land?
In Sugar Land, it is typical for contingency fees to average between 33.3 and 40 percent. Per the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the rate must be reasonable and will depend on various factors, including the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case.
The fee could also shift depending on when the case is resolved. If the law firm uses a shifting contingency fee system, the rate will increase further in the case a settlement or award is reached. For example, the lawyer will take the lowest percentage if your case is settled before a lawsuit is filed and the highest if the case does not settle and a verdict is awarded at trial. The percentage shifts because the amount of work increases the longer the case takes.
Before the lawyer begins representation, they must give the client a written contingency fee agreement. The client must sign the agreement before the attorney can start working on their case.
Are Consultations Free at Capetillo Law Firm?
At Capetillo Law Firm, the initial consultation is completely free. During the consultation, the lawyer will evaluate your case and discuss the merits of your potential lawsuit. If the attorney decides to take your case, they will then discuss the contingency fee. If you have any questions about payment, your lawyer will answer them during the consultation.
Who Pays for the Costs During the Case?
In addition to paying for the attorney fees, there are various other expenses that arise during a personal injury case in Sugar Land. Some examples of common expenses involved in a personal injury case include:
• Filing Fees – The court may charge a fee when filing a document.
• Court Reporter Fees – If you must take depositions, you may have to pay for a court reporter.
• Service – The Sheriff will charge a fee to serve the other party with the lawsuit.
• Expert Witness Fees – Some cases require hiring expert witnesses to prepare reports or testify.
• Transcript Fees – You may need to pay for transcripts from depositions or if the case goes to trial.
• Copying Costs –Costs may be associated with copying medical records, witness statements, police reports, and other documents.
• Investigator Fees – You may need to hire an investigator to help find evidence to support your claim.
• Postage Costs
Texas law firms handle the payment of these expenses in different ways. Some lawyers pay all the costs during the case and then recoup the expenses when the settlement is awarded, in addition to the contingency fee. The contingency fee agreement must state whether the law firm will deduct the costs before or after they calculate the contingency fee. Other firms require the client to pay for the costs upfront as they occur. Before you hire a lawyer, it is important to understand how costs and expenses will be paid and what your responsibility will be.
Your Sugar Land Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have questions about the cost of filing a personal injury claim, you should reach out to a qualified Sugar Land personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will protect your rights and get you the maximum compensation available. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.
