Fees of a Whiplash Attorney

Whiplash attorneys work with different kinds of fees. When deciding to acquire their services, it is best to ask about their fees first. This way, you also get to choose according to what works best for you and your financial capacity. Attorney fees differ in terms of their retainer fees, billable hour fees, as well as contingent and flat fees.

Kinds of whiplash attorney fees

  1. Retainer: The retainer is the basic fee that’s common for all attorneys. Retainers are good for a certain number of work hours, and for certain tasks, such as research, consultation, and some investigation and documentation. Additional hours and tasks are billed on a per hourly basis. Sometimes, the attorney will negotiate for another retainer when the initial one has been used up.
  2. Contingent Fees: Sometimes, an attorney may opt to get contingent fees, instead of the normal hourly billing method. This works well for clients who may not have enough financial capabilities to afford a lawyer. With contingent fees, the attorney gets a percentage of the settlement won. If he/ she loses the case, the attorney will not gain anything. There are limitations to contingent fees in the United States, as this cannot be an option for family law cases and criminal cases.
  3. “Loser Pays” Attorney Fees: Most countries have a “loser pays” system when it comes to attorney fees. In this system, the loser in the case assumes the attorney fees incurred by the winner. In the United States, this is not followed. The judge will have to decide on making the loser pay for the other’s attorney fees.