If you are suffering from a work-related injury, it is important to understand how your workers' compensation lawyer fees are paid. Not knowing how fees for workers' compensation lawyers are paid can make the entire claims process confusing. The following is an explanation of the typical way fees are determined, though when uncertain, you should always ask the attorney – before retaining his or her services – how exactly his or her fees are calculated.
Understanding Contingency Fees for Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Many lawyers choose to work on what is known as a “contingent fee” basis when handling their clients’ workers’ compensation claims. “Contingent fee” simply means that the workers' compensation attorney fee will be dependent upon the amount of money recovered for you. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, usually 25% of the total monetary recovery. The fee will also include any filing fees or other expenses that the firm paid on your behalf, such as the fee to file the claim with the workers’ compensation board, costs to retain expert witnesses, or any other costs associated with proving your claim. The district court overseeing the claim is the final arbiter of how much will be paid to the attorney. It is not uncommon for the court to limit the contingent fee to something lower than what was initially agreed to, based on equitable principles and the final amount awarded to you. Other times, depending upon the claim, a lawyer may charge an hourly fee for his or her work on your behalf. This may occur if the case is particularly difficult or takes a larger time commitment. Workers' compensation attorneys may also opt to use a mixed hourly-contingent arrangement for some cases. The main benefit of a contingent fee arrangement for the injured claimant is that if the case is not successful, he or she will not owe attorney’s fees. Instead, the attorney assumes the risk of taking on the case and any associated costs.
Our Iowa Workers’ Compensation Firm Can Help You on a Contingency Fee Basis
It is important to know what your costs will be when pursuing any legal case. At The Pothitakis Law Firm, we want our clients to know upfront what their legal fee obligation will be in the end. We talk to you openly, in plain language, so you know exactly what is happening from start to finish. We have over 30 years of experience representing injured workers, and we practice throughout the state of Iowa. If you cannot travel to our offices for a consultation, we will be happy to accommodate a meeting either by telephone or by traveling to you. If you or a loved one were hurt on the job, don’t attempt to resolve the matter by yourself. Hire a competent and reliable workers’ compensation attorney to pursue your claim and help you fight for the best possible outcome – for both your peace of mind and financial well-being. Contact Pothitakis Law Firm today for a free consultation, where we can answer any questions you may have about the workers’ compensation claims process in Iowa, along with any issues relating to legal fees.
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