How Much Does an Ocala Personal Injury Lawyer Make?
Bill Allen | February 15, 2022 | Personal Injury
A personal injury lawyer is an attorney who helps people injured in accidents such as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, and much more – recover compensation for their injuries from negligent parties.
Ever wondered how much an Ocala personal injury attorney makes? A personal injury lawyer typically does not charge their clients hourly or by milestone as other lawyers do. Instead, their payment is based upon any award that their clients win after a settlement or trial.
This payment is usually a percentage of the overall award. The percentage varies from one-third to 40%, depending on the details of the case and how much work is required. Because the settlement or verdict for each personal injury lawsuit is different, how much a lawyer makes will vary from case to case (and from year to year).
In addition to the payment based on the award settlement, a personal injury lawyer may charge for court costs. These can be added to the bill once the case is finalized, or they can be paid upfront.
Why Does a Personal Injury Lawyer’s Salary Vary?
A personal injury lawyer’s salary can vary significantly depending on their location, their experience, and the types of personal injury cases they handle.
As an example, like many professionals, a personal injury lawyer who operates in a small town will likely earn less than one who works in a large metropolitan area.
Someone who has just completed law school will not earn as much as a lawyer with significant experience. It takes time to build a reputation when first starting out, especially if the personal injury lawyer decides to start their own firm rather than joining one that is already established.
Since most personal injury lawyers receive a salary based on contingency fees, their earnings may change significantly from one year to the next. They may have a number of cases in one year with large settlements, but this could easily change the following year. Some complex lawsuits can last for years, and the lawyer dosen’t get paid until the case is over.
Additionally, most lawyers don’t get to keep 100% of the fees they collect. They may have to then pay a lease on their building, other business operating costs, or pay other employees.
Other Costs Associated with Personal Injury Cases
While the fee for a personal injury lawyer may be delayed until a case is settled, there are often other costs associated with a case. The lawyer may charge these fees as they are encountered or build them into the final payment once the case is resolved.
Common expenses encountered during a personal injury case include:
- Lawsuit filing fees, which are often set by state statute
- Cost of issuing a summons, which can fluctuate depending on the process server
- Postage and copies of documents
- Price of mediation or arbitration, which is normally charged at an hourly rate
- Amount charged for depositions, including any required equipment or travel
- Charges for court reporters, investigators, or expert witnesses
These expenses may not be required in every case, but they often come up, especially if a case goes to mediation, arbitration, or trial.
Choosing an Ocala Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in an accident and are considering pursuing a lawsuit, it’s important to research personal injury attorneys in your area. Look at websites to find out the types of cases that each lawyer handles.
Some lawyers will provide a testimonials page that lists some of the cases they have won and the amounts obtained from their settlements.
It’s also important to make sure that a lawyer you are interested in is listed on the Florida Bar Association website and that they are in good standing. A lawyer who has incurred any infractions during their career will have those listed on the Bar Association website.
If you are worried that you can’t pay for the cost of a lawyer, talk with a few to find out what their fees are and how they charge them. Most don’t charge anything upfront. Most will operate on a contingency basis and won’t charge you at all if they lose the case. However, there could be court costs and other fees that you will have to pay before the case is resolved.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
