How Much Does a Slip and Fall Lawyer Hiring Cost? A General Breakdown

When you are hurt in a slip and fall incident, the pain and suffering are bad enough. To add to that, there is also the worry of having to hire a slip and fall lawyer, which can seem like one more inconvenience, particularly if you have no idea what it will cost. Knowing some of the financial fees involved with legal assistance can ease some of those worries and give you the confidence you need to make good choices.

Contingency Fees: The Most Common Mode of Payment

The majority of slip and fall lawyer operate under a contingency fee arrangement. This is where you pay no initial fees — your lawyer instead gets a percentage of the settlement award you receive from your case. Contingency fees are typically between 25% and 40% of the amount awarded in the settlement, with 33% being the most typical rate.

For instance,

If you receive a $30,000 settlement and your lawyer's fee is 33% contingency, they would receive $9,900, and you would receive $20,100.

This payment structure puts your lawyer's interest in sync with yours — they only get paid if you win, which tends to get them excited to work hard on your case.

Additional Costs and Expenses

While your lawyer's time and expertise are reimbursed through contingency fees, additional expenses may accumulate on your case. They can be:

Filing Fees: Courts will at times charge to file your case, typically $50 to $500.
Expert Witness Fees: In the event your case requires expert testimony (e.g., a medical expert or accident reconstructionist), their fees typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Deposition Fees: Transcription services are involved in deposing, and that ranges from $300 to $500 per deposition.
Administrative Fees: Postage, copy paper, and research fees can tack on a few hundred dollars to your bill.

There are lawyers who absorb these fees as they come and deduct them from your settlement, but others will bill you along the way — so make sure to iron that out during your first consultation.

Hourly Fees: A Less Common Alternative

While less typical with slip and falls, some lawyers practice hourly billing. Such payment is reserved most frequently for cases in which a contingency would be unwarranted. Hourly billing will range significantly depending on the geographical area and lawyer experience but normally runs between $150 and $500 per hour.

If your case is fairly straightforward and will probably settle in a hurry, this might be an affordable option — but it's riskier because you'll pay no matter what.

Flat Fees: Uncommon but Possible

Occasionally, an lawyer will charge a flat fee for certain legal work, such as writing demand letters or settling quickly. Flat fees can be anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the job's complexity.

Wrapping Up

You don't always need to shell out cash for a slip and fall attorney. Contingency fee arrangements allow you to seek justice without laying out money initially. Aside from this, knowing other costs, whether it is expert witness fees or filing fees, allows you to budget more realistically.

Finally, choosing the right lawyer is a matter of balancing their experience, their fee arrangement, and your comfort level with the way they do things. Don't let fear of lawyers' fees prevent you from getting the help you deserve.

If you've been hurt in a slip and fall, a lawyer who knows what they're doing can walk you through it, stand up for your rights, and assist you in receiving the money you require to move on.