What Does it Mean to Work on Contingency?

What Does it Mean to Work on Contingency?

Legal Info

No Fee Unless We Win

No matter how strong your potential case is, paying up-front legal fees can be a significant barrier to pursuing justice. When your lawyer works on contingency, it means you do not need to pay their fee to start working on the case. There is no retainer required. Instead, they collect a fee if they secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf; in other words, the legal fee is contingent on winning your case. Since the fee is paid out of the settlement or verdict, you never need to come up with the money on your own.

Contingency fee agreements are most common among personal injury lawyers, though some other types of lawyers use them as well. Not every agreement is the same, so discuss the terms with your potential lawyer before you commit to representation.

What is and is not included in a contingency fee

A contingency fee agreement covers the legal fees– the lawyer’s payment for doing work on the case. This is separate from court costs, such as filing fees or litigation expenses like copying costs, court reporter bills, and expert witness fees.

Discuss with your lawyer how the firm handles costs and expenses. Litigation expenses may add up to hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars in a complex case. If your case is successful, it will come out of your settlement or award, but if your case is not successful, you may be responsible for these amounts.

Calculating a contingency fee

When a personal injury lawyer works on contingency, the fee is an agreed-upon percentage of the case recovery. Usually, this percentage is about one-third, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles before trial or undergoes an appeal.

When a case settles or ends in a verdict, the defendant, or their insurer issues payment to the plaintiff’s lawyer. Fees, expenses, and contingency fees are deducted from the recovery amount, and the remainder is issued to the client. If you lose your case, neither you nor your attorney gets paid.

Contact Rutter Mills for a free consultation

It is essential to put your trust in an attorney who has the skill and experience needed to accurately evaluate the strength of your case. This will allow you to make informed decisions.

At Rutter Mills, we understand how a personal injury can impact many areas of your life. We are here to guide you through the entire process, from the initial filing to the settlement or trial. If you or a loved one have been injured in Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, or a nearby community, call today to schedule a free consultation.

EXPERIENCE

Years Helping Our Clients

LOCATIONS

Convenient Offices

TEAM

Team members ready to help.

TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.