Many people hesitate to call a lawyer after an accident because they think they can't afford one. They imagine hourly rates of $500 and massive retainer fees. The good news is that personal injury...
Many people hesitate to call a lawyer after an accident because they think they can't afford one. They imagine hourly rates of $500 and massive retainer fees. The good news is that personal injury law works differently. We operate on a 'contingency fee' basis. This system ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to top-tier legal representation.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means that the lawyer's fee is 'contingent' (dependent) on winning the case. If we don't recover money for you, you owe us zero attorney fees. We take the risk along with you. If we do win, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Standard Percentages in Florida
The Florida Supreme Court regulates these fees to protect clients. Typically, the fee is 33.3% (one-third) of the recovery if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed. If the case goes into litigation (filing a lawsuit), the fee usually increases to 40% to account for the extra work and risk. These percentages are standard across the state.
Costs vs. Fees
It's important to distinguish between 'fees' (payment for our time) and 'costs' (expenses we pay to move your case forward, like filing fees, expert witness payments, and medical record retrieval). We advance these costs for you. If we win, we are reimbursed for these costs from the settlement. If we lose, you generally do not owe us for these costs either (check your contract details).
Why This Model Benefits You
The contingency fee model aligns our interests with yours. The more money we get for you, the more we earn. It motivates us to fight for the maximum possible settlement. It also means you never have to worry about receiving a bill in the mail while you are trying to recover.
Transparency is Key
At Emas Law Group, we believe in total transparency. We explain our fee structure clearly in our initial consultation and in our written agreement. There are no hidden fees or surprises at the end of your case.
Contact Emas Law Group Today
Quality legal representation shouldn't be a luxury for the rich. The contingency fee system levels the playing field against billion-dollar insurance companies. You can hire the best lawyers in Florida without paying a dime out of pocket. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay if we lose?
No. If there is no recovery, there are no attorney fees. Period.
Are the costs deducted before or after the fee?
Usually, the attorney fee is calculated on the gross settlement amount, and then costs are deducted from the client's share. We will show you the exact breakdown.
Can I negotiate the fee?
Fees are set by our firm's policy and state guidelines, but we are always happy to discuss the value we provide for that fee.