No win, no fee arrangements (also known as contingency fee agreements or contingency basis agreements), are commonly used for personal injury claims such as car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, or even product liability cases. In a “no win, no fee” arrangement, the attorney agrees to represent the client without charging any upfront fees. Instead, the attorney’s fees are contingent on the successful outcome of the case. While “no win no fee” or “no fee guarantee” cases are common, it’s very important to read through the agreement and understand what expenses you may be responsible for if you do not win your case.

How Georgia Contingency Lawyer Arrangements Generally Work

Here’s how “zero fee guarantee arrangements” with personal injury law firms in Georgia generally work:

Initial Consultation:

You meet with one of our attorneys for an initial consultation to discuss your case.

The attorney assesses the merits of your case and determines if it is suitable for a contingency fee arrangement. They’ll also research any conflicts within the firm and ensure it’s suitable for our team to take on.

Agreement:

If the attorney agrees to take your case on a contingency fee basis, you both sign a written agreement outlining the terms of the arrangement. The agreement typically specifies that if you don’t win the case, you won’t owe the attorney any legal fees. However, you may still be responsible for other costs, such as court filing fees or expert witness fees. At the Kalka Law Group, we DO NOT charge for any fees beyond what we might recover as a percentage of your winning settlement. Other law firms may tack on expenses and fees outside the settlement percentage. Protect yourself and work with professional experts that don’t include “gotcha clauses” in their agreements.

Legal Representation:

The attorney begins working on your case, handling all legal aspects, including investigation, negotiation, and possibly litigation. This is where the attorney earns their fee.

Outcome:

If the case is successful, and you receive compensation (e.g., through a settlement or court award), the attorney is entitled to a percentage of the recovered amount as their fee.

The percentage is usually agreed upon in the contingency fee agreement and can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial.

If You Lose:

If the case is unsuccessful, and you do not receive compensation, you generally do not owe the attorney any legal fees. This is how our team operates at the Kalka Law Group. It’s important to carefully review and understand the terms of any contingency fee agreement before proceeding. Different attorneys and law firms may have variations in their fee structures, so it’s crucial to clarify any questions you may have. Additionally, be aware of any potential costs beyond attorney fees, such as court costs, expert witness fees, and other expenses, which may still be your responsibility regardless of the case’s outcome should you go with a different law firm.

No Fee Guarantee: What Is The Legal Term For ‘No Fee’ or ‘Zero Fee’?

The legal term for a ‘No Fee’ case is “contingency fee,” and it’s more common than you might think. You’ve heard the commercials, seen the billboards: “Injured? No problem! We win, you win, or you pay nothing!” It sounds almost too good to be true. Can an attorney really represent you for “free”? The answer, surprisingly, is yes.

How Contingency Fees Generally Work

Here’s how contingency fees typically work: Instead of charging an hourly rate, the attorney takes a percentage of the money you recover if they win your case. So, if you don’t get any money, they don’t get any money. It’s a shared risk, shared reward kind of deal.

Not only do you not pay upfront, but the attorney also covers all the case expenses, like filing fees, expert witnesses, and even investigation costs. This eliminates the need to come up with out-of-pocket costs when you’re likely injured, recovering, possibly out of work, or trying to replace your vehicle that was damaged.

So, why would an attorney do this? It’s simple: they believe in your case. They think you deserve compensation, and they’re willing to gamble their time and resources on your behalf. It’s a chance for them to get paid if they win, and a chance for you to get the justice you deserve without worrying about the financial burden of attorney retainers and ongoing fees if the case drags on.

Some Limitations to Contingency Basis Lawyers

Now, there are some limitations. Contingency fees are typically only available for specific types of cases, like personal injury, medical malpractice, or employment discrimination. The attorney will also want to assess your case’s potential value before agreeing to take it on contingency. They will also have to ensure there are no conflicts with current or prior representation. A good attorney will do some work before they agree to take your case.

But if you find yourself in one of these civil lawsuit situations, facing a powerful opponent like an insurance company or a large corporation, a contingency fee can be the difference between an outcome that barely covers expenses, or doesn’t cover them at all – and a settlement that will take care of you, or your family while you recover and rehabilitate after an accident. It levels the playing field, giving you access to top-notch civil lawyers without the upfront cost.

What’s The Catch With No Win, No Fee Personal Injury Lawyers in GA (Contingency Lawyers in Georgia)?

No win no fee agreements (also known as contingency fee agreements or civil contingency legal agreements) sound like there’s a big catch – why would an attorney represent me if I’m not writing them a check every time we talk? While they offer a way to access legal representation without upfront costs, you have to be aware of the factors that can make your agreement mutually beneficial and successful, or difficult should you not understand the dynamics up front.

With success based fees, lawyers typically charge a percentage (around 20-40%) of your compensation if they win your case. This can be more than traditional hourly rates, especially if your case settles quickly.

Be sure to have a frank discussion about what percentage of your settlement will go directly to the lawyer.

Be clear about any additional funds that may come from the settlement outside the lawyer’s percentage.

You may still be responsible for certain costs regardless of the outcome, like court filing fees, expert witness fees, or insurance premiums. These disbursements can add up – so be aware of them up front instead of after the fact. You should also agree on what your mutual definition of success is. What constitutes “winning” can be ambiguous. If your case settles for less than expected, you might still owe fees, even if you feel the lawyer didn’t achieve the desired outcome.

If your case is there, but it may be a bit weak due to evidence questions or insurance limit issues, a zero fee lawyer may choose to pass on it. Lawyers are more likely to take on cases they believe they can win – and a weak case is a bigger risk than a solid case with copious evidence and high insurance policy limits. A lawyer that cares more about the check than the person may also pressure you to settle quickly even if it’s not the best deal for you, to get their fees faster. A conversation about goalposts and where you’d be comfortable settling after fees and disbursements can ensure you and your lawyer are on the same page.

What Percentage Does a Georgia Contingency Lawyer Near You Take?

This percentage can vary depending on the attorney. At The Kalka Group, if we do not recover, we do not charge any costs to our clients. We do not charge for time or expenses. We are dedicated to favorable outcomes and “wins” for our clients, so settling fast for that initial offer is something we’re disinclined to do. That means more legwork on our part to earn our percentage, but also secure a more favorable outcome for our clients. Our standard contract fee is 33.33% (33 ⅓%). After we file suit, the fee is 40%. But those do adjust based on factors like expenses that may need to be fulfilled from the settlement. The truth is – after medical bills and other expenses, we may need to adjust that percentage to ensure nothing comes out of our client’s pocket and the remaining funds are divided equitably.

Can You Lose Money In No Win No Fee Case In Georgia?

Technically, it is possible to lose money and “owe” after your case is settled. If you haven’t discussed your attorney’s fees, what fees will be paid as disbursements from the settlement vs. what the attorney will pay from their cut – it is possible that fees and disbursements would be more than your actual settlement. We work hard to communicate with all of our clients to ensure they’re always aware of where they stand in regard to fees, disbursements, and other costs that will impact their final settlement check.

The Contingency Lawyers in Atlanta, Marietta, and Lawrenceville at Kalka Law Group’s Zero Risk Pledge:

  • We fight to win your maximum compensation. No recovery, no fee. Focus on healing, not finances.
  • Expert legal team in your corner. We handle everything, so you can focus on getting better.
  • Get the justice you deserve. Don’t let the negligent party get away with it.
  • Stop the bills. Start healing. Call The Kalka Law Group today at (404) 529-9371 or contact us for a free consultation.

Whether you came here looking for a contingency lawyer in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, contact our contingency basis lawyers today!

Contact Our No Win, No Fee Contingency Basis Lawyers in Georgia

If you’re facing a personal injury legal hurdle and traditional fees are a barrier, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Kalka Law Group. We understand the complexities of “no win, no fee” arrangements and are committed to clear communication and client satisfaction. Let’s discuss your case and see if we can be the legal partner you’ve been searching for. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the Kalka advantage on your side.

Remember, you deserve justice, and you shouldn’t have to pay for it unless you win. We’re here to help you navigate the legal system and get the outcome you deserve. Contact us today or call (404) 529-9371 to set up your free case consultation.