What Is a Contingency Fee?

The time it takes to receive a settlement after winning a personal injury case can vary widely and depends on several factors. For example, it could rely on the specific circumstances of the case and the parties involved.

Sometimes, a settlement may be reached soon after filing the case. If that happens, the plaintiff may receive compensation within a few weeks or months. However, in other cases, it can take several months or even years to resolve a personal injury case and receive a settlement.

Some of the factors that could potentially impact the timeline for receiving a settlement after winning a personal injury case include the following:

The complexity of the case: More complex cases, such as those involving multiple parties or extensive medical records, may take longer to resolve.

The damages involved: Cases with greater damages may require more negotiation and scrutiny, which can extend the timeline for settling. For instance, if you needed expensive medical treatment, such as surgery, the defendant would want to determine whether it was necessary and if they are responsible for your medical costs.

The defendant's willingness to settle: The case can be resolved more quickly if the defendant is willing to settle than if they contest the claims brought against them.

Whether there is an appeal: The defendant's decision to appeal the verdict or settlement can significantly extend the timeline for receiving compensation. This is because they have a right to defend themselves as much as you have a right to receive compensation for their negligence.

In summary, once a settlement has been reached in a personal injury case, it can take several weeks or months for the plaintiff to receive compensation. Also, remember that settlement agreements often include terms and conditions that must be met before the plaintiff can receive their funds. These can include steps such as signing release forms or verifying medical bills, which can prolong the settlement timeline.

It's important to work closely with your attorney throughout the process and ask any questions you may have about the timeline for receiving your settlement. Your attorney can help keep you informed about the progress of your case and work to ensure that you receive your compensation as soon as possible.

Understandably, you may want to pursue compensation for your injuries without hiring an attorney. However, while that is still possible, it is very risky. In most cases, the risks of pursuing compensation without an attorney outweigh the benefits of working without one.

Here's why.

Personal injury law is complex and broad. For this reason, if you are not trained in this area of law, you may not be aware of your rights, the potential damages you can recover, or how to navigate the legal system. On the other hand, a lawyer has the experience and knowledge needed to effectively handle a personal injury claim and maximize recovery.

Insurance companies and their adjusters only care about paying out as little as possible to personal injury claimants. Without the experience and knowledge of an attorney, it can be challenging for you to understand how the insurance company is handling the claim or even to negotiate a fair settlement.

Pursuing a personal injury claim can be time-consuming and require significant resources, such as expert witnesses and medical records. Individuals unfamiliar with the legal process may not have the time or resources to effectively handle their claims while also managing their recovery.

Without a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf, you may receive low settlement offers that do not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. This can result in inadequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Overall, pursuing a personal injury claim without a lawyer can be risky and may not result in the maximum recovery possible. Therefore, to get the best outcome for your case, it is always advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

No, not all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That said, it is worth mentioning that many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, the most common fee arrangement in this field.

Contingency fee arrangements are commonly used in the following types of cases:

Personal Injury

Personal injury cases involve harm caused by another person or entity's negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts. Examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. At Morgan & Morgan, our army of over 1,000 injury attorneys handle these types of cases and so much more.

Workers' Compensation

These cases involve employees injured on the job and seeking compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. In most states, workers' compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, taking a percentage of the settlement obtained for the client.

Social Security Disability

Social Security disability cases involve individuals who cannot work due to a physical or mental disability and seek Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Attorneys who represent SSDI claimants may work on a contingency fee basis.

Employment Law

Did you know that Morgan & Morgan files the most employment-related cases in the country? These cases usually involve disputes between employees and employers, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations.

Keep in mind that these are just examples of cases that use the contingency payment system. While not every attorney uses this system, you can rest easy knowing that Morgan & Morgan will fight for you without any upfront payment if you have a valid case.

Before we can fight for you, we must review your case to determine whether you have a valid claim against the other party. Then, if the case is valid, we can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.  

Personal injury cases are time-sensitive. So do not wait any longer; contact us for a free case evaluation.