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When you are injured in a slip and fall accident, the medical costs, time away from work, and additional financial burdens can be extremely stressful. Accident victims may consider hiring an attorney to help them recover these expenses, but they are afraid of the cost.
The good news is that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This allows the injury victim access to the legal representation they need when their budget is already stretched tight. The lawyer benefits from gaining access to clients.
Understanding the costs and benefits can make your decision much easier if you are considering whether you need an attorney. Let’s take a closer look at the costs and fees involved in hiring a Florida slip and fall lawyer.
Understanding Contingency Fees: Is It True That if You Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay?
Yes, for the most part. It depends on the lawyer you use. Many attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they must win your case to get paid. The contingency basis makes it much easier to find competent legal counsel.
You should read and understand your contract before signing it to avoid any surprises down the line. If your lawsuit is unsuccessful, your attorney may not charge you any fees but may ask you to cover some of the costs associated with building your case.
You should ask your Florida personal injury lawyer about these fees during the consultation. This way, you can get a clear estimate of the slip and fall lawyer’s fees before you agree to hire them to prevent misunderstandings and unexpected charges.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
What Are the Costs and Fees Associated With a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
Although the words “cost” and “fee” are frequently used interchangeably, they have different meanings in the legal industry. Personal injury attorney fees are the costs an attorney assesses for taking on a case.
Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee for their services. Contingency fees can range from 30-45% of the settlement or court-awarded compensatory damages. The average percentage is typically 33.3%. The lawyer’s fees are paid from that amount once the case is done.
Costs, on the other hand, refer to all additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred in a lawsuit. The attorney will cover these costs as the case proceeds. Costs can include:
Filing Fees and Court Costs
The filing fee for the complaint is part of the court costs. Typically, this costs between $100 and $400. If the matter proceeds to a jury trial, paying the jurors’ daily stipend will be essential.
Court costs will also include the cost of notifying the defendant of the summons and complaint. A slip and fall injury lawyer will typically take care of these costs until the case is resolved.
Expert Witness Charges
Having an expert witness evaluate your case, create an expert report, and testify at trial might cost several hundred dollars per hour. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars in a complicated case, especially if you need to hire multiple experts.
Nevertheless, expert witnesses can make all the difference in a personal injury claim. Remember, though, your own doctor will almost always be a more valuable expert witness for you at trial than an expert witness for hire.
Deposition Costs
A deposition is the recording of sworn, non-trial testimony. Typically, a stenographer is present while questions are being asked of a witness.
The party that requested the deposition will pay for the stenographer’s time and a copy of the transcript. This can add up to around $500 for a couple of hours of deposition time.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative costs, including research, travel, postage, copying, and other expenses, will be necessary in every court case. This won’t amount to much more than a few hundred dollars in a short and straightforward case with minimal document-based evidence.
These administrative costs, however, might amount to several thousand dollars in lengthy litigation. The personal injury attorney handling your Florida slip and fall claim can explain these costs in your initial consultation.
Costs of Investigation and Evidence Gathering
In most cases, the costs for basic investigation and evidence gathering remain minimal.
When more investigation or research is required, such as when a private investigator is hired, or an individual is required to perform a task that can only be done in person, the cost of acquiring this information can become rather high.
Knowing how much money you have to spend on a lawyer might help you make sensible decisions about your case. You can better plan for the future and be ready for any unforeseen expenses that may come if you are aware of the costs of a Florida slip and fall attorney and lawsuit up front.
Does a Free Consultation Actually Mean Free?
Yes. A free consultation is genuinely free. There are no strings attached, no obligation to hire.
Most Florida slip and fall injury attorneys offer free initial consultations because it benefits both sides. You get to ask questions, understand your options, and decide if the attorney is a good fit. The attorney gets to evaluate whether your case has merit before taking it on.
Use that time well. Come prepared with:
- Photos of where you fell and your injuries
- Any incident report filed at the location
- Medical records or bills you’ve received so far
- A written timeline of what happened and what you’ve experienced since
You’re not committing to anything by having a conversation. The information you get from that meeting can help you make a much more informed decision about what to do next.
Click To ContactWhat Damages Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slips and falls can leave victims dealing with serious injuries, mounting bills, and time away from work. Florida law gives injured people the right to pursue compensation for both the financial and personal toll of an accident. Understanding your legal rights starts with knowing what types of damages may be available in your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses tied to your injury:
- Medical treatment: Doctor visits, emergency care, surgeries, prescriptions, and any other costs related to treating your injuries
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing care needed to help you recover and regain function
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to work now or in the future, compensation for lost wages and diminished career potential.
- Future medical expenses: Costs for long-term care, follow-up procedures, or assistive devices your condition may require down the road
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your injuries:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, both at the time of the accident and during recovery
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and other psychological effects that result from the trauma of a serious fall
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from participating in activities, hobbies, or relationships you valued before the accident
Learn More About the Costs and Benefits of Hiring a Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer
Medical bills pile up fast after a fall. Meanwhile, a negligent property owner and their insurance company are already working to limit what they owe you. Florida premises liability law gives injured people the right to hold property owners accountable when a hazardous condition causes harm.
Every property owner has a legal duty of care to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they ignore that duty, and someone gets hurt, the injured person deserves real compensation, not just for medical expenses, but for pain and suffering and everything the injury has cost them.
If unsafe property conditions led to your fall, you have options under Florida law. Viles & Beckman has helped Florida injury victims build strong slip and fall cases and recover what they’re owed. Call today for a free consultation.
