What if I can't afford a personal injury attorney?

Many people assume they do not have the funds to hire an attorney. The high settlements and hourly rates of big-name lawyers lead many people to believe that attorneys are for the wealthy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth—especially for victims of serious injuries. While many lawyers are paid by the hour, the majority of injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning the injury victim does not pay anything up front for legal representation. 

The Potential Costs and Fees Associated With an Injury Lawsuit

In a contingency-fee arrangement, the attorney will cover all court costs until the matter has been resolved. If the attorney is successful, his fees are paid with a portion of the amount recovered—usually between 30-40% of the total damages, as well as reimbursement for any costs paid on the victim’s behalf. If the attorney does not win the case, the victim only needs to pay for any costs the attorney covered out of pocket.

Some of the most common questions about payment for legal services include:

How much is the contingency fee?

The amount of contingency percentage is based on the complexity of the injury, the details of the accident, and the time and effort it will take for the attorney to build a strong case. If the case is likely to go to trial, the attorney may quote a higher percentage because trials can double or triple the time it takes to resolve a case.

What costs are not included in the contingency fee?

Common costs deducted from the settlement include filing fees, the hiring of medical experts, employing an investigator, copying and mailing, and records requests.

Is it worth it to hire a lawyer?

In most cases, it is worth the cost of hiring a lawyer if the injuries sustained are severe. A successful injury case can pay for the victim’s lost income, disability, lost quality of life, and past and future medical treatment—even after the amount paid to the lawyer has been deducted from the settlement.

Have You Been Injured Due To The Negligence Of Others?

If you've been injured you need to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help clients in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.