If you are looking to hire a personal injury lawyer in Canada, you’ll find plenty that offer “No Win/No Pay” or “Contingency Fee” agreements. But what does that mean? How does it work?
What is a Contingency Fee Agreement?
In a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer agrees to represent the client’s injury case for a percentage of the final settlement or court award.
If the lawyer cannot win the case, he or she will not receive any payment for their time or expenses. This fee arrangement motivates lawyers only to take chances they believe they can win and provides financial protection for accident victims who may not have the upfront cash to pay a retainer.
The percentage that personal injury lawyers charge varies depending on the province, but it typically ranges from 25-40% of the final settlement.
In some cases, a “success fee” may be paid in addition to the contingency fee. This is more common in class action lawsuits or complex cases where the lawyer has taken on a higher risk.
How Do Contingency Fees Work in Alberta?
In Alberta, the Rules of Professional Conduct dictate how personal injury lawyers charge contingency fees. According to Rule 3.4, a lawyer cannot charge a contingency fee for certain types of claims, such as:
– uncontested divorce proceedings
– child custody or access proceedings
– criminal defence matters
For all other types of claims, including personal injury claims, a lawyer can only charge a contingency fee if:
-a pre-existing or new client is advised of the contingency fee agreement in writing.
– the client gives their express consent to the arrangement in writing
– a judge approves the fee arrangement (if the case goes to court)
As you can see, if you’re thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer in Alberta, you must understand how contingency fees work. Make sure you ask about the fee arrangement up front and get everything in writing to avoid surprises. You always recommend hiring the best personal injury lawyers in Calgary for optimal results.
How to Hire Personal Injury Lawyers in Calgary That Charge Contingency Fees
Suppose you’re looking for personal injury lawyers in Calgary that offer contingency fees. In that case, there are a few things you can do to ensure you find the best possible legal representation for your case.
First, ask around for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have used a personal injury lawyer in the past. Once you have a few names, you can check each law firm’s website and read reviews from previous clients.
When you’ve narrowed it down to a few firms, give each of them a call and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions about their experience, case success rate, and fee arrangement.
You should also ensure that you feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose, as well as feel confident that they will provide the best possible representation.
How To Get A Free Consultation From a Car Accident Lawyer in Calgary
The great thing about hiring Calgary injury lawyers is that they usually offer free legal consultation before you decide to hire them. This allows you to tell them about your accident, ask any questions you have, and get a feel for their personality and abilities.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the consultation is also a chance for the car accident lawyer in Calgary to assess your case and give you an idea of how much compensation you might receive.
Here are some questions that you should never forget to ask any personal injury lawyer during a consultation:
– What is your success rate with car accident cases?
– Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
– How much do you charge for your services?
– Do you offer a contingency fee arrangement?
– How long do you think my case will take to resolve?
By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a good sense of whether or not the lawyer is a good fit for you and your case. If they’re not, then it’s probably best to keep looking.
What Do You Do When You Can’t Afford A Lawyer?
Not everybody has the financial resources to hire a personal injury lawyer in Calgary. If this is the case, there are still a few options available.
You may be able to get legal aid if your income falls below a certain threshold. You can also look into pro bono services, which are free legal services provided by lawyers who want to give back to the community.
Another option is to try and negotiate a payment plan with the lawyer you want to hire. This way, you can pay them over a period of time rather than all at once.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let the cost of hiring a lawyer stop you from getting the justice and compensation you deserve. There are ways to get around it, so explore all your options and find the one that works best for your case.
The Bottom Line
Being on a budget should never hinder you from getting legal aid. You can always look for lawyers who charge a contingency fee, such that you are protected from paying legal fees if you lose your case. This is a great way to relieve any stress you might have about budget constrains.
At Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary, our lawyers offer free consultations and contingency fee agreements. If you require legal help for a personal accident or injury case, we highly encourage you to give us a call or visit our website to schedule your free consultation today.
Other People Also Asked
What percentage do lawyers take from a successful personal injury case in Canada?
Most personal injury lawyers in Canada work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case. And if they do their best, their fee is usually a percentage of the total settlement.
The typical contingency fee arrangement is between 33% to 40% of the total settlement.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?
You may be able to settle your car accident claim without hiring a lawyer. But if the other driver is denying liability or doesn’t have insurance, you’ll likely need legal help to get the compensation that you deserve.
