Brian White | March 6, 2024 | Personal Injury
Facing a personal injury can be life-altering. Victims often face not only physical injuries and emotional distress but financial burdens from medical expenses and lost wages, too. Many people who want to hire a Houston personal injury lawyer wonder, “What if I can’t afford an attorney?”
There is a viable path forward if you or a loved one have been injured in Houston. Many Houston personal injury lawyers represent accident victims on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
What Is the Contingency Fee?
Attorneys use different fee structures to bill for legal services, including hourly rates, flat fees, and retainers. However, many personal injury attorneys embrace a different fee structure: the contingency fee. Personal injury lawyers use contingency fees to represent clients at no upfront cost.
Instead of billing hourly or requiring a costly retainer, lawyers agree to take a percentage of the final settlement or verdict they will in a client’s favor. This typically ranges from 33 to 40 percent of your recovery. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct control how lawyers in Texas use the contingency fee.
The Benefits of Contingency Fees
Contingency fees allow all personal injury victims to access experienced attorneys. This makes a path toward justice and compensation available to everyone at no cost. Under the contingency fee model, you will not owe attorney fees if your case does not reach a settlement or favorable trial verdict.
The contingency fee also aligns your interests with your attorney’s. Your lawyer’s compensation is directly tied to your success, so they are interested in getting you compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Potential Expenses Beyond Attorney Fees
Under the contingency fee, attorney fees are contingent on your case’s outcome. However, other costs may be associated with pursuing your personal injury claim.
Additional expenses can include:
- Court filing fees
- Mailing fees
- Service of process fees
- Costs for obtaining medical records
- Expenses for expert witnesses
- Other miscellaneous charges
But what if you cannot afford an attorney or these potential expenses? Many Houston personal injury attorneys will advance these costs on your behalf and reimburse them from any settlement or trial award. This further reduces the financial burden of pursuing a claim and hiring an attorney. You get to focus on your recovery at no upfront cost.
How to Find A Lawyer When You Can’t Afford One
Understanding your legal rights can be challenging if you cannot afford a lawyer. There are other options available for cases that do not involve personal injuries. Consider the following resources for assistance:
- Legal aid organizations
- Pro bono programs
- Law school clients
- Payment plans
- Sliding scale fees for low-income clients
If you cannot afford a lawyer, do not lose hope. Research your options to find the best ones for your situation and case. Remember, if you or a loved one have been injured in a personal injury matter, our Houston personal injury lawyers offer free consultation and represent victims at no upfront cost.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
If you are struggling with the aftermath of a personal injury in Houston, do not let the perceived cost of hiring a lawyer deter you from seeking help. Many Houston personal injury lawyers represent clients on a contingency fee, which provides access to experienced attorneys with no upfront costs. Your attorney can fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery without added financial stress.
Deciding whether to hire an attorney to pursue a claim is time-sensitive. For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
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Houston, TX 77098
United States
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