Contingency Fee

Have you been injured because of another party’s conduct or actions? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. However, proving that the other party is liable for your damages could be challenging.

The insurance company and defense team have resources that you might not have. You need help from an attorney, but how can you afford to hire a personal injury law firm after an injury? Medical bills and lost wages can cause a financial crisis after an accident or injury. It can be difficult to pay the bills, much less hire a lawyer to handle a personal injury case. 

However, there is good news. Most personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis. There is a way for you to get the compensation you deserve without deciding between paying your bills or hiring a lawyer.

What is a Contingency Fee for a Personal Injury Case?

A contingency fee agreement allows you to hire a lawyer without paying any money for a retainer fee. Instead of paying attorneys’ fees when you hire the lawyer, you pay the attorney only when they recover money for your injury claim.

Contingency fee arrangements are used in many types of personal injury cases, including:

At the end of your case, your attorney deducts the attorneys’ fees from the financial compensation for your claim. The fees are based on an agreed-upon percentage when you hire the lawyer. 

Paying an attorney on a contingency basis allows accident victims access to the resources, skills, and knowledge necessary to fight for fair and just compensation. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis in accordance with the rules of professional conduct.

How Much is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

The goal is to recover the maximum value for your personal injury case. Our legal team works with you and your physicians to document your damages. Careful documentation of damages is essential for recovering as much money as possible for your injury claim.

We may also consult with medical experts and financial professionals to determine the extent of your damages. Your damages include both economic and non-economic damages.

The types of damages you could receive for a personal injury claim include:

  • The cost of medical care and treatment
  • Physical, occupational, and other types of therapy
  • The cost of personal care and long-term nursing care
  • Reductions in your future earning potential
  • Lost wages, salaries, and benefits
  • Disabilities and impairments
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical pain and suffering

Determining how much your case is worth depends on numerous factors. Your injuries and impairments are a significant factor in the value of your claim. Your medical bills, or lost income, and other expenses are also a large part of your damages.

However, other factors could impact the value of your claim and how much goes into your pocket. For example, if you were partially to blame for the cause of your injury, the value of your claim decreases. Under Florida’s comparative fault laws, the amount of money you receive for your damages can be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold for the cause of your injury.

For example, if you were 50 percent at fault for the cause of your motorcycle crash, you would only receive an amount equal to one-half of the value of your damages. 

On the other hand, if you sustained a permanent impairment, the value of your claim could increase. Additionally, suppose the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or with willful, wanton, and reckless disregard for the safety of others. In that case, you could receive punitive damages in addition to your other damages.

Deadlines for Filing Injury Claims in Florida

Like all other states, Florida imposes a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. In many cases, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of your injury. However, that might not be the deadline in your case.

Many medical malpractice cases and wrongful death cases have a two-year deadline for filing lawsuits. There are also exceptions for cases involving injuries to children. 

However, there could be exceptions to all of these rules. The best way to protect your right to pursue a legal claim against the person who caused your injury is to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

Contact Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation 

We understand that you have been through a traumatic event. At Catania & Catania, our legal team wants to help you make the claims process as easy as possible for you and your family. Contact our Tampa law firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa personal injury attorneys. We are available 24/7 at (813) 222-8656.