The Advantage of Hiring a No Win, No Fee Attorney

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should hire an attorney to help you file a personal injury case right away. But hiring an attorney means coming up with attorney fees and deciding which law firm you can afford – right?

Not exactly. Most personal injury attorneys in Oregon work within a unique fee structure. Often called “contingency fees” or “no win, no fee,” the way these attorneys charge for their legal services differs substantially from others who may work in corporate or family law. 

To answer, “how does “no win, no fee” work?” and to understand the distinct advantages of this type of agreement, keep reading.  

What does “no win, no fee” mean? 

The term “no win, no fee” is a frequently used term to explain a contingency fee agreement. This is a type of payment agreement between you and an attorney. It’s a fairly common practice among personal injury attorneys, but is less common in other areas of law. The agreement essentially means that your attorney won’t be paid unless they secure a settlement or win a verdict for you. In other words, if there’s “no win” for you, there’s “no fee” to them. 

How will a “no win, no fee” payment structure benefit me?

There are two primary advantages to pursuing your personal injury case with no win no fee personal injury lawyers (or, “pay if you win lawyers”).

• You don’t pay anything out of your own pocket.

 If you win a settlement, there are no “out-of-pocket” costs for your legal representation. Instead, your attorney will take a percentage of the total settlement to cover all the costs they incurred while working your case. In other words, the party held responsible for your injuries will be paying for your attorney fees. 

The percentage an attorney requires varies from firm to firm and from case to case; however, you should have complete transparency about their required percentage when you hire them and sign the fee agreement.

• You avoid any financial risk.

If you lose your case, or don’t reach a settlement or verdict, you don’t have to pay your attorney anything. This is the crux of the “no, win, no fee” agreement; having lawyers that don’t get paid unless you win is a significant advantage for you. This protection from financial risk allows victims to pursue justice regardless of their ability to pay for an attorney. You can trust you won’t be hit with a steep pile of attorney bills — whether you lose or win.

If I win my case, how much do “no win, no fee” lawyers take?

Again, if your attorney fails to win your case or reach a settlement, you don’t owe them anything. If they do secure a settlement for you, they use a percentage of the total settlement to cover their legal fees. Typically, this is around 33.33 to 40 percent. 

How can I tell if a lawyer works on a “no win, no fee” agreement? 

It’s important to note that not all Oregon personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee agreement. Always review the law firm’s website or ask during your initial consultation about how they structure their fees. If a lawyer doesn’t offer a “no win, no fee” payment option, you can continue searching for a lawyer that does. As stated, this payment structure is not uncommon in the area of personal injury law.

Why do Oregon personal injury attorneys work on a “no win, no fee” contingency?

Many Oregon personal injury attorneys work on a “no win, no fee” basis because it benefits both the victim and the attorney. You, the victim, don’t have to worry about dipping into your savings, going into debt, or borrowing money from family or friends to pay for a lawyer. 

The attorney typically on takes on personal injury claims if they believe there’s a high probability to secure a settlement. If the case is successful, the settlement amount will cover the attorney’s fees accumulated during the weeks, months, or years of working the case.

Often, lawyers who only get paid when you win also take out an insurance policy on your behalf. This policy covers costs incurred while working on the case. For some cases, these can become quite lengthy. They may include medical reports, court fees, expert testimony fees, and other related expenses. 

Don’t Take on Financial Risk: Hire Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC  

You deserve the best representation to secure the highest dollar settlement. Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC are Oregon’s top no win no fee lawyers dedicated exclusively to helping victims like you. Because of our “no win, no fee” promise, we guarantee you’ll never pay out-of-pocket for our work. Whether you’re searching for a no win no fee car accident lawyer or have suffered a traumatic brain injury, we’re always “no win, no charge” lawyers. In the aftermath of a serious accident, your focus should be on healing — not figuring out how to afford the best legal representation.

We’ve earned the reputation as a leading personal injury law firm in the state of Oregon because we go the extra mile for our clients. From keeping legal counsel accessible to helping you find and receive medical care when you can’t afford it, our clients always come first. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.