A contingency is an agreement where your lawyer doesn’t get paid unless you win the case or settle for a compensation amount. Instead of charging you hourly fees or asking for a flat rate, the lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you receive if your case is successful.
This payment arrangement makes the personal injury lawyers at Morris Bart more accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation.
Without this kind of agreement, the financial burden of hiring a lawyer could deter many people from pursuing claims altogether, especially if they’re already facing mounting medical expenses or loss of income from being out of work.
What’s unique about contingency fees is that they shift the lawyer’s role from just being a paid advisor to a dedicated advocate who has a personal stake in the outcome of the case. In other words, your lawyer only gets paid when you win or settle, meaning they are highly motivated to fight for the best possible outcome for you.
This fee structure not only provides you with legal expertise but also gives you peace of mind that your lawyer is in your corner, working tirelessly to get you maximum compensation from the person or group of persons responsible for your loss or damages.
Why Do These Lawyers Offer Contingencies?
Here are some of the reasons why lawyers offer potential plaintiffs the chance to work based on a contingency arrangement between them:
Leveling the playing field
One of the most important reasons personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis is that it serves as an equalizer in the legal system.
Without them, it would be far too easy for the rich and powerful to hire lawyers on a retainer and crush the claims of individuals who don’t have the financial resources to keep up. With contingency fees, a personal injury lawyer can go up against large corporations, insurance companies, or wealthy defendants and fight on equal footing.
Because the lawyer is working for a percentage of the settlement, they’re equally invested in the outcome. This creates a more balanced dynamic, where people with genuine cases can stand up for their rights, no matter their financial situation.
Incentive for lawyers to fight harder
Because personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, they have a strong incentive to do everything they can to win your case.
Think about it: if a lawyer is paid by the hour, there’s less motivation for them to maximize the value of your case, because they’re getting paid regardless of the outcome. But when their pay is contingent on your success, they have a much bigger stake in the game.
This doesn’t mean that all lawyers are out there only looking to make a profit; most genuinely care about helping their clients. But when your financial success is tied to their own, it creates an additional layer of motivation for them.
Your lawyer will likely put in the time to thoroughly investigate your case, track down witnesses, hire experts when necessary, and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. They know that the better the outcome for you, the better it is for them too.
Encouraging fair and balanced settlements
Insurance companies and defendants know that personal injury lawyers working on a contingency basis have the ability and incentive to fight tooth and nail for a fair settlement.
With a lawyer who’s being paid based on the outcome, insurance companies are less likely to take advantage of the situation and offer a quick settlement that doesn’t truly reflect the extent of the damages. Lawyers working on contingency can afford to hold out for a fair settlement or to take the case to court if necessary.
They know that their time and effort are on the line, so they’re not in a hurry to close a case without securing the best possible deal for their client. This can result in a much larger payout than if you were trying to negotiate on your own or with an hourly lawyer who might not be as invested in your success.
Making legal representation accessible to all
One of the most important reasons for contingency fees is the access they provide to legal services. Many people who suffer personal injuries, especially those caused by accidents or negligence, don’t have the financial resources to pay for a lawyer upfront.
This can create a significant access-to-justice gap, where only the wealthy have the resources to secure proper legal representation. Contingency fees, however, make it possible for anyone to get the help they need without worrying about how to pay.