Our attorneys understand this is a common fear and have structured our business to alleviate this problem. Negretti & Associates offers a no-fee assurance to our clients, operating on a contingency fee basis. This means that we are not paid unless and until we obtain a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
The events following an accident may often feel like a painful blur, as doctors, police officers and insurance agents are all jostling for your time and attention. Many people feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the murky waters toward recovery. The last thing a person wants to worry about is if they can afford the assistance of an attorney.
A contingency fee agreement is a written agreement between the client and the attorney in which the client may hire the attorney without putting down an initial payment. Furthermore, if the case is ongoing, the client will not have to pay monthly payments and the attorney collects their payment from a percentage of the judgment or settlement once the lawsuit is complete. Contingency fee agreements are valid only in civil cases and are only valid if they are reasonable and equitable to the client.
A contingency fee agreement must state how the fee will be determined, including the percentage in which the attorney will be paid whether the case goes to litigation or is settled. Additionally, it is important that the fee agreement be in writing prior to the client hiring the attorney in order for the client to review the fee agreement breakdown.
A contingency fee arrangement has many benefits. The most common benefit is that a contingency fee agreement allows clients that do not have the money at the outset to pay an attorney’s hourly rate to obtain representation. Additionally, the same clients that do not have the financial ability to pay an attorney on the front end will not owe the attorney any fees on the back end, unless the fee agreement specifically states the client must pay named expenses. A contingency fee agreement also benefits clients indirectly, as their attorney will be more likely to keep on top of their case and work diligently to obtain a favorable outcome so the attorney will get paid.
Ultimately, if you have been injured, it is imperative to understand that you have options; a contingency fee agreement may provide an important vehicle for you to pursue the financial justice that you deserve.