Chris Hammons | November 21, 2024 | Personal Injury
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can feel daunting, especially when you’re already facing medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Understanding the different fee structures for legal services in Oklahoma City, OK, can help you make an informed decision. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay and the value a skilled attorney can bring to your personal injury case.
Typical Fee Structures for Lawyers
Attorneys can charge clients in different ways depending on the type of case and the lawyer’s practice model. Here are the common types of fee structures:
- Hourly fees: Some attorneys charge by the hour for their services, tracking the time they spend on each task related to your case. This model is more common in complex legal matters or cases that require extensive research and preparation.
- Flat fees: Flat fees involve a set amount charged for specific services. For instance, a lawyer may offer a flat fee for drafting a letter or providing a consultation. While this option provides certainty in cost, it’s not typically used for personal injury cases.
- Retainers: A retainer fee is an upfront payment that clients provide to cover initial costs in a case. The attorney will then draw from this retainer as work is done. Although retainers are standard in some legal fields, they aren’t in personal injury cases.
Understanding the various fee structures can help you choose the right attorney for your needs and ensure you’re prepared for the financial aspects of your legal representation.
Contingency Fees: The Standard for Personal Injury Cases
Most personal injury lawyers in Oklahoma City work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement allows clients to hire a lawyer without paying anything upfront. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for you, usually around 33%, but can vary depending on the specifics of the case.
The main benefits of contingency fees include:
- No upfront costs: You don’t pay until you win, which makes legal services accessible even if you’re facing financial hardship.
- Motivation to maximize your compensation: Since your lawyer’s payment is tied to your award, they are incentivized to secure the best possible outcome.
- Predictability in fees: You know that any fees will be based on the success of your case, not on time spent.
If your attorney doesn’t win money for your case, you don’t owe them any fees for their work. This arrangement reduces the risk for clients and makes legal representation more accessible.
What Damages Can You Recover in an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Case?
If you’re considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, it’s helpful to understand what types of compensation, or “damages,” you may be eligible to recover. In Oklahoma, there are two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses resulting from your injury. They include:
- Medical expenses: Bills for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and other treatments
- Lost wages: Income lost due to missed work, along with any future earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs: Expenses related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other recovery services
- Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing damaged property, like a vehicle in a car accident
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of an injury, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma associated with the accident and its aftermath
- Emotional distress: Mental health impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of quality of life: Inability to engage in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed
- Loss of companionship: Negative effects on personal relationships due to your injuries
In some rare cases, Oklahoma courts may also award punitive damages. These are designed to punish especially reckless or malicious behavior and serve as a deterrent.
How Much Time Do You Have To File a Personal Injury Claim in Oklahoma?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. If you don’t file within this period, you may lose the right to seek compensation for your damages.
However, there are some exceptions to the two-year rule that could adjust how much time you have. Consulting a personal injury lawyer promptly is crucial to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and don’t risk losing your legal rights.
What Value Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Bring to Your Case?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t just about navigating the legal process; it’s about securing the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Here’s how an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney can help:
- Building a strong case: Your lawyer will collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts if necessary.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your compensation, but an attorney can counter these tactics and pursue a fair settlement.
- Litigating if needed: If negotiations don’t yield a satisfactory offer, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
With an experienced attorney handling these tasks, you can focus on recovering from your injuries. They can handle the legal side of things and keep you informed on your case’s status during that time.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Oklahoma City, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your damages. At Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and ensuring they have access to the compensation they need and deserve.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. In addition, we only receive attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your personal injury claim.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 497-0480