A contingency fee is an alternative approach toward paying attorneys’ fees in a lawsuit. Instead of paying your lawyer an upfront retainer, he or she takes a percentage of dollars recovered over the course of your case. His or her earnings are “contingent” upon the amount of compensation you receive.
This method of payment gives a contingency fee lawyer in Texas plenty of incentive to win your case. However, this arrangement does not work for every client or every law firm. Learning more about the terms and conditions can make your search for an attorney a little easier.
Here are a few key points to consider when it comes to hiring an attorney on a contingency fee basis:
How Do Lawyer Contingency Fees Work?
As previously mentioned, a contingency fee lawyer only gets paid if you win your case and receive compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will deduct his or her fee from a check deposited into the law firm’s trust account and then made payable to you.
If you lose your case, then you do not pay your attorney for services rendered. However, it is standard practice that your lawyer may ask you to pay court filing fees in advance.
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Contingency Fee?
It is standard practice for a lawyer to charge a reasonable contingency fee percentage from the top of all money recovered in your case minus expenses. Most charge between 25 and 40 percent in a Texas personal injury lawsuit. The average rate is typically 33.3 percent.
Signing a Contingency Fee Agreement
It’s critical to get your contingency fee agreement in writing. Doing so ensures that you and your attorney are on the same page with each other in terms of the payment arrangement. He or she will provide you with the methodology used to determine the fee’s calculation.
The contingency fee agreement must also explain how the firm approaches deducting out-of-pocket litigation expenses from your total recover amounts.
Pay close attention to whether your attorney deducts expenses before or after the calculation of the contingency fee. Understanding this aspect of the agreement ensures that you are estimating your settlement or trial winnings correctly. You can direct specific questions about contingency fees by reviewing the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct book.
How to Find a Contingency Fee Lawyer in Texas
Finding a contingency fee lawyer located nearby is a challenging task. Not every lawsuit or law firm is a good fit for this type of arrangement. An excellent place to start looking is by searching the State Bar of Texas’ attorney lookup directory.
Aside from the bar association, you can also find a lawyer on contingency by:
- Searching online for contingency lawyers in your city (i.e., “contingency fee lawyer in Fort Worth, TX”)
- Checking with friends, family, and co-workers
- Use an attorney referral service provider
You should also consider the type of case you have. The best legal cases for contingency fee lawsuits usually involve:
- Personal injury
- Medical malpractice
- Sexual harassment
- EEOC and work-related discrimination claims
When evaluating your case, a contingency fee attorney estimates the overall value of your claim. He or she will also consider the effort and resources required to complete the work from start to finish. In short, the higher the stakes in your case, the more viable your potential lawyer sees your lawsuit.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Just because an attorney will take your case on contingency does not mean you should accept it at face value. Make sure you ask plenty of questions before signing the contingency fee agreement. It’s a simple act that helps you build confidence while learning more about:
- The probability of winning your case
- How much he or she thinks you will recover
- The way he or she will approach your lawsuit
- The amount of your contingency fee
Once you’ve signed a contingency fee agreement with your lawyer means that it cannot be changed unless you both agree to it. Some people even take their contingency fee agreements and any amendments to third-party attorneys to check for fairness and accuracy.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Texas Working on Contingency Fees
If you are looking for a contingency fee personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth or Arlington, TX areas, consider working with Patterson Law Group. We have been fiercely advocating for Texas families for more than 20 years with no upfront costs. Schedule your free case evaluation by calling {817) 784-2000 or by submitting a request through our contact form.
