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The cost of hiring a defective products lawyer is often nothing up front, with the lawyer instead taking a portion of your settlement if they win money for you. The more experience the attorney has with your type of case, the more likely they are to win it and get you a better settlement deal.
This is known as a contingency fee structure. This means that they will only get paid if they win your case or settle it in some way that benefits you financially.
This arrangement can save you thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars compared to hiring an attorney who charges hourly fees for their services. Our Fort Myers product liability lawyers have the information you need to make the right choice.
Types of Personal Injury Lawyer Rates
You may be entitled to financial compensation in a defective product lawsuit for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your injuries. An experienced defective product lawyer can help you seek damages from the manufacturer or seller of the product in question.
However, not all lawyers charge the same. Defective product claims fall under civil law, and most personal injury lawyers filing civil cases work on a contingency fee basis. Others, however, will charge an hourly fee.
Contingency Fee Basis
When you hire a product liability lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis, that lawyer will only be paid if your case is won. If there is no recovery in your case, there is no cost to you at all. Your lawyer’s fees will be deducted from your settlement or court award based on an agreed-upon percentage.
Typically, contingency fees will range from 33% to 40%, and each lawyer will have their own fee agreement outlined when you sign a contract to retain their services. Also, some defective product cases become mass torts or class action lawsuits, and these can be complicated when determining legal fees.
While these matters are also often on a contingency fee basis, the court will set and approve the attorney’s fees. Talk to a lawyer to determine what legal fees you might incur before hiring them for your claim.
What Does the Contingency Fee Cover?
The contingency fee typically covers your lawyer’s time and effort spent on your case, including:
- Investigating the product defect and determining liability
- Gathering evidence, such as expert testimony, design records, and product testing results
- Negotiating with insurance companies or manufacturers for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
When you hire our defective products lawyers, you don’t have to worry about hourly rates or upfront retainer fees. Your lawyer assumes the financial risk of taking on your case, giving you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.
What Are the Benefits of a Contingency Fee Arrangement?
There are many advantages to the contingency fee arrangement, including:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t need to pay anything out of pocket to hire a defective products lawyer. This makes legal representation accessible, even if you’re facing financial challenges due to your injuries.
- Low Financial Risk: If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t owe them any fees. This ensures that your lawyer is fully invested in your success.
- Motivated Representation: Your lawyer’s fee is directly tied to the outcome of your case, so they are motivated to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
- Focus on Recovery: With no upfront payment or ongoing legal bills, you can focus on your recovery and let your lawyer handle every step of your case.
Hourly Rate
A product liability attorney who charges an hourly rate will charge you according to how many hours he or she works on your case and how much work is involved in pursuing it through trial and appeal, if necessary. They will also likely request a retainer upfront to cover initial expenses.
While some attorneys charge by the hour, others bill at certain milestones such as depositions or hearings where they need to be in court.
In either case, you should always get an estimate of the cost of your case upfront so that you can budget for it and know what to expect.
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What Is a Defective Products Lawsuit?
A defective product lawsuit involves consumers who have experienced an injury due to the use of an allegedly defective product. These cases often become complicated because liable parties may include:
- Manufacturers
- Designers
- Retailers
- Vendors
Defective products can range from tools and cars to medical devices and prescription drugs.
For example, if you purchased a car with faulty brakes that failed while driving, causing an accident and injuries, you could file a claim against the car manufacturer for creating a defective product.
Additionally, if the dealership failed to properly inspect the vehicle before selling it, they could also share liability.
How Much Does an Average Defective Products Lawsuit Cost?
Even when personal injury lawyers take on defective product cases on a contingency fee basis, it is usually with the understanding that a settlement will ultimately be reached.
But if your case goes to court, it will likely incur litigation fees and labor costs, such as spending hours and hours reading through hundreds of documents.
Defective product lawsuits can be extremely costly, often exceeding $100,000. The cost of a defective product lawsuit can also include:
- Filing fees
- Court fees and costs
- Attorney fees
- Hiring expert witnesses
Click To ContactFiling a Claim Against a Major Corporation
The cost of hiring a defective product lawyer depends on the type of product liability lawsuit you’re filing and your attorney’s experience level.
If you’re filing a claim against a major corporation, such as a drug company or auto manufacturer, you may have to pay thousands of dollars in legal fees. But if the injury is minor and you’re suing for less than $100,000, it likely won’t cost very much at all.
Most states have laws that require injured parties to pay for their own legal expenses before they can recover damages from another party (called “contribution”).
So, even though your lawyer will be working on a contingency fee basis, they may ask you to contribute some money upfront in order to cover their overhead expenses.
Find Out if Hiring a Defective Products Lawyer Is Right for Your Claim
If you have suffered serious injuries or lost someone close to you, there are many reasons why hiring a defective product lawyer is worth the cost because you will not have to worry about paying medical bills on your own. While insurance companies will pay for some medical expenses related to your injuries, they do not always cover everything that you need.
At Viles & Beckman, you pay nothing unless we win. Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients. We can help you explore the facts of your case and determine which parties should be held liable for damages. We will also handle negotiations with the insurance companies and make sure that you are not taken advantage of.
If you have been injured by a dangerous or defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses related to your treatment. Contact Viles & Beckman today to schedule your free consultation.
