Personal injury lawyers in Fort Myers usually work on a contingency basis. This means the attorney collects their fees when they successfully recover compensation for you. Their fees come out of your compensation settlement or judgment, not out of your pocket. If they fail to win your case, you won’t have to pay their fees.
The amount they collect depends on the amount of monetary compensation you recover. Your contract with your attorney will stipulate the percentage of your compensation settlement or judgment you will keep and how much they will receive. After a devastating injury, a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family without straining your finances.
Personal Injury Claim Costs And Charges
A personal injury compensation claim incurs several costs as the case advances. Most personal injury law firms in Fort Myers offer free initial case consultations to accident victims. During this meeting, you can clarify what costs may be involved in your case, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Investigation costs
- Accident reconstruction costs
- Travel costs
- Deposition costs
- Administrative costs
Most personal injury attorneys will pay all the upfront and ongoing costs of your claim for you and collect reimbursement once they’ve recovered your compensation. The contract you sign should clearly explain all fees associated with your case and who will pay them.
The Percentage Fee A Personal Injury Attorney May Charge in Fort Myers, FL
Most personal injury law firms in Fort Myers collect their attorney fees based on an agreed-upon settlement or judgment percentage, rather than an hourly or flat rate. The percentage is based on various considerations and follows the Florida Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct. In general, the percentage of your gross compensation settlement that goes toward attorney fees may range from 33% to 40%.
The percentage of the gross settlement or judgment you will pay to your lawyer as a contingent fee may depend on various factors such as:
Your Attorney’s Experience
An attorney with decades of experience serving victims in circumstances similar to yours may negotiate a higher contingent fee than an attorney in the first stages of their legal career. However, extensive experience and resources could greatly benefit your case and result in more compensation overall.
Your Case’s Intricacy
The more complicated or risky a case is, the more of your attorney’s time it may require, which can add to your fees.
The Extent Of Your Damages
If you experienced catastrophic injuries (such as a severe traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) and losses that entitle you to a high recovery, that may affect the percentage your attorney charges.
Whether Your Case Goes To Court
If the at-fault party’s insurance company negotiates fairly and does not dispute liability, your lawyer will likely be able to resolve your case fairly quickly, potentially resulting in lower fees.
However, should negotiations fail, you may wish to seek a compensation judgment. If your case goes to court, your fees may be higher, as a trial will require much more time and effort on your lawyer’s part.
When To Consider Hiring A Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they are concerned they will get less financial compensation than they deserve after paying attorney fees. However, working with an attorney skilled in Florida’s personal injury laws can allow you to focus on recovery while your lawyer handles everything else.
Your lawyer, knowing that their fee depends on securing a settlement or judgment for you, will fight on your behalf to recover maximum compensation. Even after deducting their contingency fees, you may receive far more compensation after hiring an attorney than you would if you decided to tackle the legal process without assistance.
If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and other losses, it’s worth your time to call a personal injury law firm and discuss your legal options.
How A Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case
When you hire a Fort Myers personal injury attorney to help you protect your rights, they will assume responsibility for all facets of your case, such as:
- Identifying the negligent party
- Investigating the accident to prove the responsible party’s negligence and liability
- Gathering evidence, such as police reports, medical records and bills, eyewitness statements, traffic camera or surveillance footage, and more
- Working with expert witnesses, such as medical professionals and accident reconstructionists, to give credibility to your case
- Completing and filing an insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit for recovery of your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages
- Communicating with all involved parties, including the liable party’s insurance company and opposing legal representatives
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- If negotiations fail, representing you in court in pursuit of fair compensation
You Have A Limited Time To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit In Fort Myers
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, Florida’s statute of limitations generally allows you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney and their legal team will need as much time as possible to build your case, so we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to get the process started.
Call The Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine For Help With Your Personal Injury Claim Today
Our law firm’s Fort Myers personal injury attorneys offer responsive legal help focused on serving your needs. We will travel to you, help you get necessary medical care, ensure you always know what’s happening with your case, and give you your attorney’s direct cell phone number for easy communication.
Call our office for a free case consultation. We can help you take back control of your life.
