Many Milwaukee personal injury victims hesitate to pursue the compensation they deserve simply because they are concerned about attorney fees. That’s where contingency fee arrangements come in: a payment structure designed to make quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their current financial situation. With this approach, your attorney only gets paid if you win your case.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Attorneys Typically Charge?
Under a contingency fee arrangement, you do not pay your attorney anything up front or by the hour. Instead, your lawyer receives a percentage of the compensation you recover, and only if your case is successful. If you don’t win, you don’t owe attorney fees.
Most Wisconsin personal injury attorneys charge between 33% and 40% of your final settlement or award on a contingency basis. The exact percentage often depends on the complexity of your case and when it resolves. If your case settles before filing a lawsuit, the fee is typically on the lower end. However, if your case goes to trial or requires extensive litigation, the percentage may increase.
What’s Included in the Contingency Fee?
Your contingency fee covers your attorney’s time, guidance, and advocacy throughout your case. This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and representing you in court if necessary.
It is important to know that court costs and case expenses such as filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record costs, and deposition expenses are often separate from the contingency fee. Some law firms advance these costs and deduct them from your settlement, while others require reimbursement regardless of the outcome. Make sure you discuss how your attorney handles case expenses during your initial consultation so there are no surprises down the road.
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney on Contingency
The contingency fee model offers several significant advantages. First, there is no financial risk to you if your attorney does not win your case, you do not owe them attorney fees. This removes the financial barrier that prevents many accident victims from seeking legal help.
Second, this arrangement allows you to access experienced and skilled representation. Instead of accepting whatever the insurance company offers because you cannot afford a lawyer, you gain access to attorneys who level the playing field and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.Â
Third, contingency fees motivate your attorney to maximize your recovery. Since their payment depends on the outcome, they are invested in securing the best possible result for you. Your attorney will work diligently to build a strong case and won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Seek Help Contact a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Contingency fees allow you to secure legal representation when you need it most. But beyond the fee structure, the real value of hiring a Wisconsin personal injury lawyer lies in the results they achieve for you.
Personal injury cases involve complex legal procedures, aggressive insurance company tactics, and detailed documentation. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these challenges, build compelling evidence, and negotiate for maximum compensation. If you plan on filing a personal injury lawsuit, contact a lawyer right away to begin building your case.Â