A common concern for those facing a personal injury case is the cost of legal representation. If you are hoping to pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you may ask, “How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?”
Most Texas personal injury lawyers work on contingency, so you typically won’t have to pay anything out–of–pocket. Contact our firm to learn about our fee structuring and how much your case may be worth. We have recovered millions for our clients and are ready to help you recover financially from your accident.
Free Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Whether you are considering a claim or a lawsuit for your personal injury case, you typically can receive an initial consultation at no cost. Most personal injury firms offer free case consultations to help potential clients assess their legal options. You can also use this to interview several different law firms and see if they are a good fit to work with your unique situation.
At our firm, we will use this time to discuss the circumstances of your injury, explain your legal rights, and provide an estimate of potential costs. There is no obligation to hire us after your consultation. However, you will have a clearer understanding of your case and the potential path forward.
Working with Contingency Fees
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement, which means they do not charge upfront fees. Instead, they take a percentage of your final settlement or lawsuit award as their payment. This allows you to pursue your claim without significant upfront personal injury lawyer costs and low financial risk.
When working on a contingency fee basis, a personal injury lawyer is motivated to maximize your compensation. Since their fee is a percentage of the settlement, the larger the settlement, the higher their earnings. Contingency fees cover the hours of legal guidance, professional representation, and potential litigation for which you will require their services.
When you retain the lawyer and sign the agreement with the firm, this fee structure will be outlined. This ensures transparency in your agreement and avoids unexpected costs. Check out our FAQs if you have further questions regarding contingency fees, or contact us for personalized answers and advice.
Factors that Influence the Cost of a Personal Injury Claim
The costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim extend beyond attorney fees. Numerous factors can influence the overall expense. Each case is unique, and additional considerations may arise depending on your case.
We prioritize efficient case resolution to minimize your costs. By negotiating a fair settlement amount and streamlining the processes, we aim to reduce expenses. However, certain factors can prolong the case and increase costs, including:
- Whether you are partially at fault
- How long negotiations take
- How much evidence is available
- Local costs of court fees
- Expenses associated with filing paperwork requests
Texas Laws Affecting the Value of Your Claim or Case
Several Texas laws may affect the value of your personal injury claim and should be considered when you ask about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. Be sure to discuss these laws and how they could affect your case with your attorney. These laws include:
- Contributory Negligence: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33.001, the state’s contributory negligence system works by not allowing an injury victim who is more than 50% responsible for an accident to recover damages. If your portion of fault is less than 50%, then your settlement or award will be adjusted by subtracting that percent from your total value.
- Statute of Limitations: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16, if you are close to the deadline to submit your claim or court case, you may lose out on the right to recover the compensation you are owed. Be sure to submit promptly to avoid this issue.
Trial Costs and Expenses
If negotiations with the insurance company stall or are completely rejected, your personal injury attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. To strengthen your case, they will want to ensure your case is strong, potentially hiring medical experts or other professionals to provide additional support. Additional costs may arise from going to trial, such as court fees, filing costs, and specialized services.
Your attorney will work to minimize expenses and maximize your recovery. By evaluating the potential costs and benefits of litigation, you can make informed decisions about your case. Other additional expenses could include:
- Expert Witness Fees: If your case requires expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or other specialists, their fees may significantly impact the overall cost.
- Administration Expenses: These expenses could include things like postage, copying and printing costs, and preparing trial exhibits.
- Court Reporter Fees: The court reporter will charge fees for depositions and hearings.
- Travel Expenses: If you need to travel to court, you may want to consider the costs you will pay to do so.
- Accident Reports: When requesting an accident report or other police report, you will likely have to pay an administration fee to obtain the reports.
How to Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer
Injury victims are often concerned about how to pay for a personal injury lawyer, but costs should not stand in the way of getting justice. We know you are likely struggling with paying medical bills and other expenses that you incurred from your accident.
That is why our firm works on a contingency fee basis and strives to minimize all upfront costs to make things easier for you.
Do Not Let Costs Stand in the Way of Getting Justice
If you are looking to hire a personal injury lawyer and are concerned about the costs, contact Lowe Law to discuss your case. We minimize expenses by having low overhead expenses and focusing primarily on personal injury law.
You can learn more about us here or set up a free case consultation to discuss what you need.
