The reality of personal injury litigation is that anyone can hire the best attorney for their case – including the "Best Attorneys in America" – because all cases are taken on a contingent fee. This means the attorney is paid only if he or she wins for you and then a percentage of the recovery. In a contingent case, you should never advance or pay anything before or after except if and when your attorney wins for you.

The other reality is that a nationally rated personal injury attorney often cost you less than a less experienced attorney, some unknown person behind a television ad or a referral service.

HERE'S WHY:

1. Often attorneys who are not truly experts in personal injury will actually charge a higher percentage (for example, 33 1/3 if suit filed, 40% if case goes to trial.)
   
2. Attorneys with lesser experience and skill will understandably get substantially less in settlement or trial than a top personal injury attorney (so, for example a fee of 25% of $100,000 leaves you with $75,000 whereas 25% of $200,000 leaves you with $150,000 or even 33 1/3 of $200,000 leaves you with $133,000.)
   
3. Insurance companies and their attorneys know the reputation of the best, the worst, and the average attorneys and make offers accordingly.

Thus, the real issue is not what fee an attorney quotes but whether he or she has a demonstrated record of achieving the highest levels of recovery for his or her client and has earned the recognition and respect of those in the profession who are called upon to judge the best of the best in personal injury.

And, finally, you must have confidence in and be comfortable with the attorney handling your case.

No reputable personal injury attorney would charge you for a consultation. If you have an injury, call us and let us tell you how we can help. It costs you nothing. Whether we start working for you today or 9 months from now will cost you no extra. Delay or starting out with the wrong attorney might, however, cause damage to your case and what we can do for you.