What it costs you
Money is usually the second question people ask, right after whether they have a case. Here's how it works, in plain words.
It costs nothing to ask
It costs nothing to tell us what happened, or to have a lawyer at our firm look at your case.
You pay only if money is recovered
Most of the cases we take are paid on a contingency fee: the fee is a share of whatever money is recovered for you, and if nothing is recovered, you owe no fee. In some cases the law makes the other side pay your lawyer's fee instead. In a few, such as workers' compensation and Social Security disability, the fee is set or approved by the agency and paid out of your award.
Case expenses, like court filing costs, medical records and expert reports, are separate from the fee. Your agreement says who pays them and when.
When another firm leads your case
When another firm leads your case day to day, the two firms share one fee.
Questions people ask
Will I be asked for money up front?
Not to tell us what happened, or to have us look at your case. Whether anything is ever due depends on the kind of case and your agreement.
Does the firm you choose pay you for sending my case to them?
No firm pays us for passing a case along, and the rules wouldn't allow it. Our firm is paid only through its share of the fee in your case, and that share comes with our responsibility for your case.
Does money decide which firm you choose?
No. We choose the firm that's right for your case. What each firm is paid doesn't come into it.
Will I get less because two firms are involved?
No. When another firm leads your case, you have two firms working for you instead of one, and it doesn't cost you a penny more: the two firms share one fee.
What if nothing is recovered?
Under a contingency fee, you owe no fee if nothing is recovered. Case expenses are separate, and your agreement says who pays them and when.