Personal injury attorneys in Olympia typically work on a contingency basis. They only get paid if the case is won and their fee is a percentage of the settlement obtained by the victim. However, even when a case is lost, the victim may find he or she is responsible for certain expenses related to the case. The Personal Injury Attorney in Olympia should share this information with the client before any contract is signed. What types of expenses may be charged?
Court Filing Fees
Courts charge a fee before a lawsuit may be filed. This is only one of the fees associated with a personal injury case the victim might be responsible for. Discuss with the attorney any fees that are imposed by the court and what the victim may be expected to pay once the case is settled.
Experts
One or more experts might need to be called in to prove the victim’s claims or to provide evidence regarding the impact the accident has had on the victim’s life. These experts are compensated for their time and can charge thousands of dollars for their appearance in court. Although the attorney cannot say definitively how much the victim might be expected to pay for experts, he or she can provide a guess as to who might need to be called in for assistance in establishing the victim’s case.
Investigators
In addition, one or more people may need to be involved in the case for the purpose of investigating the accident. He or she might take photos of the scene, recreate the accident or speak to witnesses to obtain more information about what happened. The attorney can provide information on whether he or she feels professionals offering these services will be needed.
Medical Records
Medical records are often required to show the extent of the injuries and the treatment required. A fee is often charged for these records and the cost varies based on how many doctors the victim has seen. In addition, there is likely a fee for a narrative report provided by a medical doctor, one that outlines the injuries, what caused them, and the prognosis.
Speak to the Personal Injury Attorney in Olympia to learn what other fees might be charged. This information is helpful when choosing which firm to work with. Be sure to have the fees put into the contract also so there are no surprises in the future.
