We have heard of inflation these days resulting in higher prices as the gas pumps, grocery stores and even the price of gold. However, some lawyers have decided that an inflation in contingency fees is appropriate as well. Some firms are charging as much as forty percent of the gross recovery in an auto accident case weather the matter is filed in court or not. I find such a high fee to be out of line with custom even if defended on “inflationary” grounds. Remember, attorneys fees are not set by law but are negotiable. I have rarely, if ever, in my career found the the attorney who charges the most is the best attorney; sometimes it is just the opposite.
Thus, my general legal advice related to attorneys’ fees is to shop around. Make certain that the fees you are contracting for are “reasonable” under the circumstances and you are comfortable with the division of insurance proceeds. Our firm charges 33% for adults and 25% for children, prior to filing a civil complaint. The fees are in line with custom and allow us to provide personalized legal service and not sacrifice the quality of representation.
Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for. Don’t be fooled in paying too much for your personal injury lawyer just because someone delivers that line.
