How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Lawrence Township?
When injured at work, hiring a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can be invaluable. However, you might be wondering about the cost to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. The good news is that most workers’ compensation lawyers in Lawrence Township and all of New Jersey operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2021 alone, there were over 2.6 million workplace injuries in the United States, many of which resulted in workers seeking compensation. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding the claims process and why hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial to maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
By hiring an attorney, you increase the likelihood of receiving the full benefits to which you’re entitled. Studies show that injured workers who hire an attorney for their workers’ compensation claim are often awarded significantly more than those who attempt to navigate the process on their own.
But how do these fees work, and what else should you know when hiring a workers’ compensation attorney?
Here’s a quick overview of how hiring a workers’ compensation attorney typically works in terms of cost:
- Free Case Evaluation and Consultation
- Contingency Fees Explained
- Litigation Expenses – Law Firm Handles These
- The Attorney’s Percentage – Max of 25% (NJ Rev Stat § 34:15-64)
- No Win, No Fee Policy
Each of these factors is crucial when determining the overall cost to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. Below, we explain each point in more detail to ensure you have a clear understanding of the potential costs involved.
Free Case Evaluation and Consultation
One of the most beneficial aspects of hiring a workers’ compensation attorney is that many firms offer free initial consultations. This means that you can meet with a lawyer to discuss the details of your case without having to pay anything upfront.
During this consultation, your attorney will evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether you have a strong claim, and explain the next steps. This initial meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the legal process, the attorney’s experience, and the fees involved.
Free consultations can help you determine if hiring a lawyer is the right choice for you, without any financial commitment.
Contingency Fees Explained
Workers’ compensation attorneys in Lawrence Township work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer’s fee is contingent on the outcome of your case. If you win your case and receive a settlement or award, the attorney will take a percentage of the amount as their fee, which is regulated by the state to ensure fairness. If you don’t win, you don’t owe any legal fees.
In fact, research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that workers’ compensation claims with legal representation tend to result in higher compensation amounts, with some studies showing increases of up to 40%. This shows that while there is a fee involved, hiring an attorney could ultimately result in a greater payout than navigating the process alone.
Litigation Expenses – Law Firm Handles These
In addition to the lawyer’s fee, there are sometimes litigation expenses related to your workers’ compensation case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and other administrative costs. Many of these expenses, including witness fees, are regulated by statute under N.J. Stat. § 34:15-64 to ensure they remain reasonable. For example, the statute caps fees for certain witnesses, such as medical experts, to prevent excessive costs. These expenses can add up quickly, but many law firms, including Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, cover these upfront costs.
If your case is successful, the litigation expenses are typically reimbursed from your settlement or award. However, if you don’t win your case, you will not be responsible for these expenses.
The Attorney’s Percentage – Typically a Max of 25%
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation attorneys typically charge a percentage of your award or settlement, and this fee is regulated by the state. The maximum percentage that an attorney can charge is 25. In practice, the fee may be lower, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is settled or goes to trial. For example, if your case is settled before a hearing, the percentage charged might be lower than if the case goes to trial. However, all of the fees are regulated by statute, not by the attorney
It’s essential to have a clear discussion with your attorney about the fee structure before you agree to any representation. Transparency upfront will ensure that there are no surprises later.
No Win, No Fee Policy
One of the most reassuring aspects of working with a workers’ compensation lawyer is the No Win, No Fee policy. This policy means that if your case is unsuccessful, you don’t have to pay any legal fees. This reduces the financial risk associated with hiring an attorney and provides peace of mind.
Since workers’ compensation lawyers handle cases on a contingency basis, the risk to you as a client is minimal. If your claim is successful, you can rest assured that the state regulated attorney’s fee will be deducted from your settlement or award.
