How can I save money on legal fees?
Personal Injury - January 17, 2024
When you face a potentially expensive legal claim, how to save money on legal fees may be at the forefront of your mind. It can be costly to recover from an injury and daunting to add those fees to your expenses. You need experienced guidance without overpaying when possible.
Our Chicago personal injury attorneys with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help you maximize your compensation without spending more than needed on legal fees. Our legal team can work with you to reduce costs and guide you to the necessary answers. All you have to do is reach out for help.
How much do legal fees typically cost?
Your legal or attorney fees can vary significantly depending on the severity of your case and the costs required to secure the evidence you need. For example, your lawyer may need to pay fees for expert witnesses, court filing fees, travel costs, and more. These fees can add up over time.
Fortunately, your lawyer will work hard to maximize your compensation to cover any needed legal costs. That gives you the funds to focus on your health and recovery rather than scraping by following an injury. Your attorney will discuss the type and amount of fees associated with your case during your initial consultation, which is often free.
What are contingency fees, and how do they work?
Personal injury law firms typically offer contingency fee structures to prevent you from paying out of pocket for their services as described under 750 ILCS 5/508. Rather than paying a flat rate or one-time fee, your contingency fee is a percentage of the compensation your attorney secured as a settlement or jury award.
For example, if you won $10,000 and your attorney agreed to a 30% contingency fee, you would pay $3,000 from your compensation. Your compensation can be reduced in certain circumstances, such as if you are found partially at fault. Your contingency fee will also be reduced in these situations.
Our team works hard to maximize your compensation so that you have the financial support you need for your recovery. We also work hard to defend our clients, meaning the right car accident, work injury, or slip and fall lawyer can provide a defense that helps you avoid reductions in your compensation. When you speak with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we will determine your best path forward.
Do I have to pay my legal fees if I lose my case?
You do not have to pay contingency fees if your claim is unsuccessful. However, you may still need to pay court fees and other costs. Your attorney will explain whether you have options for disputing or reducing the costs of your claim. You must pay certain bills from your compensation, such as those for outside experts and accessing documents.
Every case is unique and will have its own set of expenses. However, a well-organized, experienced attorney can keep your costs as low as possible so that your out-of-pocket expenses are manageable, even if your case does obtain a settlement.
How can an attorney help me?
When you struggle to recover the compensation you deserve following a personal injury, you may avoid hiring a lawyer, but this is a mistake. Our trained and skilled attorneys can be a formidable ally in the courtroom. We can help you maximize your claim’s value while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you seek help with your legal claim, our personal injury team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is here to help. Start with a free consultation by giving us a call at (800) 985-1819. You can also reach out to us through our quick contact form.
