Personal Injury Lawyers
Why would I want to accept a personal injury settlement instead of going to trial?
The majority of personal injury lawsuits settle out of court rather than going to trial because it is faster, easier, and less expensive for everyone involved. It also removes the risk of losing your case. In some rare cases it is better to go to trial and your personal injury lawyer should prepare your case as if it were going to trial, just in case it becomes necessary.
A settlement will get your money to you much sooner and it is less stressful for you and your family.
Will I still receive fair compensation if I accept a settlement?
A settlement amount will be less than what you asked for, but that does not mean you cannot receive as much as you need and deserve. Your attorney can help you decide if a settlement offer is fair, but whether you accept it or not is ultimately your decision. You can make a counter offer if you do not feel that you have been offered enough money.
One of the factors that your attorney will consider when advising you to accept or reject a settlement offer is the strength of your case and how well it will hold up in court. This is one of the many reasons why you need to choose an experienced personal injury lawyer who is ready, willing, and has the confidence to fight for you in court if that is what it takes for you to recover fair and full compensation for your injuries.
How much of the settlement amount do I really get?
You receive the amount left over after expenses and attorney’s fees. It is very important that you understand the fee agreement before you get started because subtle differences in the wording can make a big difference when it comes to your recovery.
Your personal injury attorney will work on a contingency fee basis which means you pay nothing upfront, the law firm pays for the costs involved in your case out its pocket, and you only pay attorney’s fees if you recover compensation. Your attorney takes all of the financial risk on your case. In return, if you win you reimburse the attorney or law firm for the expenses, and pay them a percentage of the recovery for their work.
The contingency fee is typically anywhere from one-third to 40% or the recovery, but in some complicated cases it may be more. If your attorney takes a percentage of the gross recovery, you pay the expenses out of your portion. If your attorney takes a percentage of the net recovery, the expenses are deducted before the attorney’s fee is calculated.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, please search the attorneys in this website to be connected with an experienced personal injury attorney in your area. The initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.