the Price of Personal Injury Lawyers

While I was driving home from work one night I stopped as the light turned yellow, but I was hit from behind by the car that was following me. I was injured in the accident and ended up in the hospital for two days and then missing work for two additional days. I was referred to a personal injury lawyer and hired him to handle my case and recover my medical costs and some amount for pain and suffering. He worked on a contingency basis of 1/3 of the final payment, and filed the court papers, attended three hearings, wrote letters and got the claim settled for $6300, so he was paid $2100 for his time and work.

I am normally not the type to sue someone, but the driver that hit me would not take any responsibility for the accident or even apologize, so I felt comfortable with my lawyer to pursue repayment of all of my bills plus whatever additional amount he could get for my inconvenience and the temporary pain that I had. He did a good job and explained to me at the beginning about the process, the time frame, and his estimate of what I might recover. He kept me up to date on his progress and it took about nine months altogether but I was satisfied with his services and the settlement amount, so the fee was fair for his efforts.

For a personal injury case, you should always go with a contingency arrangement so that it doesn't cost you anything. Also, ask your lawyer for a ballpark projection of what the case is worth so that you have an expectation and the lawyer will work toward that result for you.