If you get hurt in any sort of accident, you may have a claim for damages. It depends on whether you can prove that a third party caused your injuries. When you meet with your Orlando injury attorney for the first time, they'll let you know what they think your case is worth. As time goes by, the value of your case may increase or decrease. It all depends on the evidence put forth by both parties. At some point, your Orlando injury attorney is going to try to negotiate a settlement of your claim. What some clients ask is whether they'll ever be forced to settle their personal injury lawsuit.
Nobody ever wants to go to trial. That's why more than 95% of all personal injury cases settle before they go to court. Trials are expensive and time-consuming. There's also the possibility that you'll lose at trial. If that happens, you'll get nothing. If you lose in court your Orlando injury attorney gets nothing. Rather than risk this happening, it's important that you at least consider any settlement offers proposed by the defendant. A settlement guarantees that you'll receive a lump sum in a reasonable period of time. It's a lot better than winning in court but having a judgment that you can never collect. Florida is a debtor-friendly state. It's difficult to collect on a judgment regardless of how valid it may be.
Your Orlando injury attorney is only paid if you win your case. It's in their best interest to get you as much money as possible. If the defendant's settlement offer is too low, your attorney isn't going to recommend that you accept it. They need to make sure it at least covers their fees, out-of-pocket costs, and your medical bills. That's why they'll work endlessly to negotiate a settlement that is fair.
Your Orlando injury attorney will never force you to settle. If you think you have a better chance of winning at trial, you can let your attorney know your feelings. The same is true if you don't think the settlement offer is high enough. Your Orlando injury attorney won't do anything without first talking to you. This doesn't mean they won't recommend that you settle. They may even advise you that it's against their better judgment to take the case to trial. However, in the end, you make the ultimate decision.
When you first decide to retain your Orlando injury attorney, they'll have you sign a contingency agreement. This document states how your attorney is paid. Generally speaking, most personal injury clients pay their attorney about a third of their recovery. So, if you settle for $100,000, your Orlando injury attorney will take about $33,000. However, as your agreement will outline, if your case goes to trial, this percentage will typically go up. For example, you may pay 40% of your settlement or judgment if your Orlando injury attorney has to take the case to trial. This is because they'll need to devote a lot more time and resources to your case if it doesn't settle.
If you or your loved one are injured in any sort of accident, contact our office right away. You may need an experienced Orlando injury attorney to help you get paid. It depends on the facts of your case. If you didn't suffer any actual injuries, you might not have a valid claim. The same is true if you let the statute of limitations period run out. For the most part, however, your Orlando injury attorney will be able to help get you compensation for your injuries.
In order to know what your options are, you should call and schedule your free, initial consultation right away. Talk to a skilled Orlando injury attorney who has handled plenty of cases like yours before. They'll ask you all the important questions. They'll also answer any questions you may have. Let them evaluate your case and give you an idea of what it may be worth.
The consultation is free, and you don't have to pay your attorney until your case is resolved.