Contingent fees are a topic of conversation anytime a new client comes into my office. So I wanted to explain how we do it at Herbert M. Hill, P.A.
I was trying to think of a more attention-getting title for this blog but I cannot. It is a topic about which a lot of people who contact me inquire. Contingent fees are used in the area of personal injury law in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or malpractice. The client has a big case but no ability to pay a lawyer so the lawyer takes on the risk of being paid nothing in return for a potentially big payday. I am not looking for big paydays from my clients, just a reasonable fee for services performed.
Unique Fee Agreements
In our office, for the Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability clients we represent, each gets a fairly unique fee agreement. Of course, there are many similarities, but each point is addressed so that the client understands the agreement. One thing we have learned over the years is that a straight contingency fee agreement simply does not work well. We learned this some time ago, the hard way. Since then, over the years, I have had so many people come to me after having signed a straight contingency with another attorney who did not realize it and are now stunned at what they agreed to pay, both the percentage and the period of time it covers.
We have formulated a fee arrangement that meets the legitimate needs of our clients. It must be remembered that there are a lot of issues that go along with a group disability claim. These include the typical end-of-employment issues regarding FMLA, COBRA, continued group life insurance, and the like. Other tangential issues arise as the case progresses. From my understanding, other attorneys do not address anything but the benefit entitlement out of which they hope to get a percentage. Not so with our law firm. We are here to give you guidance on these other issues and to generally counsel you on the pitfalls of having a Long Term Disability benefits claim in your life. Indeed, once we secure your benefits, we can remain on board to handle future paperwork and the like.
We Stay By Your Side
At Herbert M. Hill, P.A., we will see your claim through to the end, whether the decision is overturned on appeal or through litigation and trial. Once we can get you on a current claim and benefits plan, we will remain your attorneys through the life of your claim. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to be sure of your rights under your Short or Long Term Disability policy.
Best regards,
Dernica Amboise
Legal Assistant, Law Office of Herbert M. Hill P.A.
