Product liability cases can be complex and confusing, especially if you’re not an experienced legal professional. An experienced product liability attorney in Lugoff can help navigate the legal system, build your case, and maximize your chances of obtaining a fair settlement.

However, you may be wondering if you can afford to hire a lawyer. The good news is that most product liability lawyers work on contingency, meaning you typically don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Let’s take a look at how this works.

How Products Liability Attorneys Get Paid

Most product liability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Contingency fees allow clients to pursue a claim without worrying about legal fees upfront. Your lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement or award amount, typically around 33-40%, as payment.

This arrangement benefits clients who may be facing high medical bills or lost wages from their injury. You can focus on recovery while your lawyer focuses on building a strong case. However, be aware that if your lawyer is unsuccessful in obtaining a settlement or award in your favor, you will owe no legal fees. The lawyer absorbs the loss.

Additional Costs

While contingency fees mean no upfront legal fees, there are other case-related costs to keep in mind. These include expenses like:

• Expert witness fees: To prove your claim, experts are often needed to testify to product defects or injuries.
• Deposition costs: Lawyers will question parties involved in the case and witnesses. Transcripts and court reporters come with fees.
• Travel and accommodation: If your case goes to trial, additional costs may be incurred.

Your lawyer will cover these initial costs but will deduct them from your final settlement or award amount before taking their contingency fee percentage. Make sure you understand these potential deductions upfront.

Factors That Determine Contingency Fees

The exact percentage that a lawyer charges for contingency fees can vary depending on factors like:

• The complexity of your case. Cases that are complicated to prove may have higher fees to account for the additional time and resources required. Simple, straightforward cases typically have lower fees.
• The lawyer’s experience. More experienced lawyers who have a proven track record of success in product liability cases may charge a higher percentage. Less experienced lawyers may charge a lower fee.
• Your location. Fees tend to be higher in areas where the cost of living is higher. Fees also vary in different parts of the country. Contingency fees in large cities are often higher than in small towns or rural areas.
• Negotiation. You can often negotiate the contingency fee percentage with your lawyer. Don’t be afraid to discuss their fees and try to get the percentage lowered if possible. Many lawyers will work with clients to set a fee that is fair and affordable.

Common Types of Contingency Fees

Contingency fees mean that your lawyer only gets paid if you win or settle your case. There are two common types of contingency fee arrangements:

Contingency Hourly Arrangement

With this option, you agree to pay your lawyer an hourly rate for the time they spend on your case, but you only have to pay if you win or settle. This means the lawyer takes on the risk of working for free if you lose in exchange for a chance at a higher payout if you win.

Mixed Hourly-Contingent Arrangement

This arrangement splits the difference. You pay part of the lawyer’s hourly rate upfront, and the rest is only paid if you win or settle. This provides more financial security for the lawyer while still giving them an incentive to win your case.

Connell Law Firm Is Ready to Represent You in a Product Liability Case

A defective product can change your life forever, leaving you drowning in medical bills or out of a job. Our Lugoff product liability attorneys understand how traumatic this experience can be. We’re here to help you recover compensation so you can start to rebuild your life.

Your first consultation is absolutely free. Call us at (803) 310-5700 or fill out our online contact form to get started!