Contingent Fees for Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorneys
Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Attorneys | Contingent Fees
In general, lawyers, as well as the cost of litigating a case, no matter how good it may be, can be expensive. A “no fee unless we win” agreement for legal representation on a contingency fee basis (contingent fee) is great for injured workers and is what is allowed under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act. In other words, a Minnesota workers compensation attorney cannot charge more than what is allowed under the statute. But what is the contingency, and how will it benefit your workers’ compensation case?
What are Contingent fees?
Essentially, what a contingency fee means is that the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon them winning the case and they will only recover if there is a settlement or award granted by the court. The workers’ compensation lawyers involved in the case will then take a percentage of the settlement amount or the amount awarded, depending on your date of injury. For example, work-related injuries prior to October 1, 2013, it would be 25% of the first $4,000 recovered and 20% thereafter. For injuries after October 1, 2013, it would be 20%.
With respect to the costs associated with the litigation, these would typically include medical records, depositions, etc., the Workers’ Compensation Act allows for a lawyer to recover those reasonable expenses from the insurance company if they are successful. A lawyer could ask for repayment of those expenses in the event that they lose, however, our office, the Law Office of Thomas Mottaz, does not request repayment from our clients.
A workers’ compensation lawyer may then weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the injured worker’s case to determine whether or not it is something that they would be willing to take with the potential risk of losing if it were to go to court. In most workers’ compensation cases, a settlement is reached before a workers’ compensation hearing. While a settlement may be lower than what could be potentially obtained at court, it cancels out or avoids the risk associated with losing in court. A negotiated settlement could be the best course of action as you avoid the risks of court while still obtaining a recovery.
Speak with Jerry Sisk a Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorney
Before retaining an attorney to represent you in a workers’ compensation matter, it is important that the fee agreement is outlined specifically in a Retainer Agreement which is signed by you. You should make sure that the attorney explains to you what, if any, additional costs that you may be responsible for in the event that you do not settle and the matter is lost at a hearing. The Minnesota workers compensation attorney fees should be explained to you
The insurance company knows your rights, do you? Talk to Jerry Sisk a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer today by calling (855) 354-2667. It is a free consultation and there is no obligation to retain a lawyer. You can discuss your case with him and obtain the advice you need to get your life back on track.
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