Contingency Fee Lawyer in Maryland – You Don’t Pay Unless You Win
Lawyer fees are one of the biggest concerns for most people looking to find a lawyer. For many, there is the concern that the costs of an attorney could outweigh the benefits of having one or that they simply can’t afford a good lawyer. Hiring a contingency lawyer, however, provides a way to hire a lawyer for your case without having to worry about upfront costs.
If you need a lawyer but are concerned with upfront costs or hourly legal fees then consider hiring a contingency lawyer near you.
Here at the Law Offices of David N. Mabrey, we are a Maryland law firm that works your Personal Injury case on a contingency fee basis. Below, you will find more information about hiring a contingency fee-based lawyer. If you already know it’s what you are looking for, then give us a call.
What is a Contingency Fee Lawyer?
A contingency fee lawyer is a lawyer who is paid a percentage of the settlement or judgment rather than charging an hourly fee. This means individuals will not pay any fees unless the attorney wins their case.
People like having this as an option because it allows them to hire a good lawyer without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses. And, they have confidence that the attorney will do everything in their power to win the case.
The percentage of the settlement that a contingency fee will take varies from lawyer to lawyer. When working with a contingency fee lawyer, you can ask them what their contingency agreement is.
Benefits of using a contingency fee-based lawyer
- You can confidently hire an attorney without worrying if you can afford one
- If you lose the case, you don’t have to pay for a lawyer’s hourly charge
- They will ensure they do everything they can to win the case
Any lawyer you hire better have your best interests in mind. But, with a contingency lawyer, ensuring your success is vital because otherwise they are not paid for their services.
Contingency fee lawyers are also generally more honest about whether you have a solid chance in court or not because their livelihood depends on it. So, if a contingency fee-based lawyer accepts your case, then they are confident that they can win for you.
Is a contingency fee based lawyer right for you?
At this point in your research, you are likely at the point where you need to decide what type of lawyer you want to choose. There are plenty of pros to having a contingency lawyer, but some of the cons may leave you having some doubts.
Determining whether this type of attorney is best for you depends on your specific situation, wants and needs from a lawyer.
To help you discover the best option for you, here are some things to consider:
- Do you have the money to pay a lawyer upfront or for ongoing lawyer fees to work on your case?
- Will your case require a large amount of time?
- Are there contingency lawyers near you that specialize in your type of case?
- Can you afford to pay a lawyer even if you lose the case or if the payout is not as high as you thought it would be?
At the end of the day you need to find a lawyer that’s right for you. This means finding a lawyer with a fee structure that meets your needs but also having a lawyer you trust.
If unsure, then take time to sit down and speak with an attorney. At the Law Offices of David Mabrey, we offer free consultations which gives clients the opportunity to get to know us before committing.
So, if you are in Maryland and looking for legal representation, then give us a call to see if we are the right law firm for you.
Other things to consider in a lawyer
Deciding whether you want to choose an hourly rate law firm or one that offers a contingency fee agreement is one of the first steps in choosing a lawyer, however it is not the only factor in choosing one.
As mentioned before, you must find an attorney who is right for you and your case. That means more than finding one who offers a convenient payment structure.
Law firm size and operations
Law firms come in all sorts of sizes each with their own modes of operation. The different ways firms operate will appeal to different people. For example, at the Law Offices of David Mabrey, our clients speak directly to their attorney throughout the case, while other law firms may have you give your information to a clerk and you will only meet with the lawyer when necessary.
Meeting Accessibility
A key element in having a good experience with your lawyer is the ability to conveniently meet with them when necessary. Local law firms are convenient for many because you don’t have to travel far to meet with your attorney. Others also use Zoom meetings to meet with clients who are unable to meet in person due to injuries or other restraints. When speaking with a lawyer for the first time, ask them about their accessibility when it comes to meeting and communicating.
Experience
One of the most obvious considerations for a lawyer is their experience. There’s nothing wrong with giving a young or new lawyer a shot, but if you have an important court case in front of you, someone with experience will provide a better chance of success. Experience is often a major determining factor in whether they win a case and how much you are awarded in a court case.
Personality
It may not seem that important but, getting along with your attorney and their law office is an important factor in having a good experience. If a lawyer makes you feel intimidated, belittled or they are just hard to get along with, it can make it hard to work a case together. Communication and the relationship between an attorney and a client have to be in good standing.
If you are looking for a contingency fee based lawyer because of the convenience of payment and because you feel they will have your best interest at heart, then great! We have clients who come to us all the time for that very reason.
But, make sure that is not the only reason you are hiring that lawyer. Make sure that they are the best fit for you, your current case, and can be your partner down the road if other court cases come up. When you think you have found a lawyer who would be a good fit, call them for a consultation.
