After a car accident or personal injury, one of the first questions many people ask is, “Can I afford a lawyer?” The good news is that most Arizona personal injury lawyers, including GAMESQ, PLC, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t need to pay any money upfront. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Here’s everything you need to know about contingency fees, how they work, and why hiring an experienced attorney like Garrick McFadden can make all the difference in your case.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment structure where the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case. In other words, your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for attorney fees.
In Arizona, contingency fees for personal injury cases typically range from 25% to 45% of the settlement or judgment amount. The exact percentage often depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of the case
- Whether the case settles before litigation or goes to trial
- The amount of time and resources required to pursue the claim
For example:
- A typical contingency fee might be 33 1/3% if your case settles before filing a lawsuit.
- If the case goes to trial, the fee may increase to 40% or more due to the additional work involved.
This arrangement ensures that attorneys are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients since their payment depends on how much they recover for you.
How Contingency Fees Work in Personal Injury Cases
When you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency basis, they will typically cover all upfront costs associated with pursuing your claim. These costs may include:
- Filing fees
- Expert witness fees (e.g., accident reconstructionists or medical experts)
- Court reporter fees
- Costs for obtaining medical records and police reports
These expenses are reimbursed from your settlement or judgment once your case is resolved. This means you don’t have to worry about paying anything out of pocket while your case is ongoing.
What About Property Damage?
It’s important to note that in motor vehicle accident cases, personal injury attorneys generally do not take a percentage of your property damage recovery. For example:
- If your car was totaled in an accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays you $10,000 for the value of your vehicle, this amount is separate from your personal injury claim.
- Your attorney’s contingency fee applies only to the compensation recovered for your injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This distinction ensures that you keep 100% of any money awarded for property damage.
Why Contingency Fees Make Legal Representation Accessible
The contingency fee model is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have the financial resources to pay hourly attorney rates or retainers upfront. Here’s why:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t need to pay anything out of pocket to hire an attorney.
- Risk-Free Representation: If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing in attorney fees.
- Incentive for Success: Your lawyer has a vested interest in maximizing your compensation since their payment depends on it.
This arrangement levels the playing field by giving injury victims access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial circumstances.
Why Hire GAMESQ, PLC?
GAMESQ, PLC is a premier Arizona personal injury law firm led by Garrick McFadden, an AV-Rated attorney and graduate of USC Gould School of Law—a top 20 law school. Garrick has dedicated his career to fighting for justice and fair compensation for injury victims across Arizona.
Here’s what sets GAMESQ apart:
- Experienced Representation: Garrick McFadden has over 17 years of experience handling car accident and personal injury cases. He knows how to navigate complex legal processes and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
- Compassionate Advocacy: At GAMESQ, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries and financial stress after an accident. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process with care and empathy.
- No Upfront Costs: Like most personal injury law firms, GAMESQ works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
- Focus on Results: Garrick has recovered millions in compensation for his clients by building strong cases and fighting tirelessly for their rights.
When Should You Consider Hiring a Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, hiring a personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Here are some scenarios where hiring an attorney is especially important:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries requiring medical treatment.
- You’ve missed work due to your injuries and need to recover lost wages.
- The insurance company is disputing liability or offering a lowball settlement.
- You’re unsure how much your claim is worth or how to navigate the claims process.
Even if you’re unsure whether you need legal representation, it’s always a good idea to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney like Garrick McFadden. During this consultation, Garrick will evaluate your case and provide honest advice about your legal options.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident but are worried about affording legal representation, don’t let financial concerns hold you back. With GAMESQ, PLC’s contingency fee model, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Contact GAMESQ today at gamesqlaw.com or call us directly at 623-233-4416 for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—because your injuries are our fight—and your win is our mission.