FAQs
What are contingency fees?
Contingency fee agreements are contracts between an attorney and a client for the payment of legal fees. Rather than billing an hourly rate, the attorney is only paid if the attorney wins compensation for his client.
It is important to note that even with contingency fee payment arrangements, the client may be responsible for expenses such as filing fees, photocopying, deposition costs, etc.
It is imperative to discuss how the contingency fee is paid, particulary the amount or percentage that the attorney takes from the settlement if the case is successful, and what costs the client must pay if it is not.
Note: The Cottrell Law Office will provide all of this information to you in writing before you enter into any agreement for our services.
My case is proceeding very slowly. Is this standard?
Litigation is often slow. If you have been injured you may have financial pressures to settle the matter as soon as possible. For many people this translates into dissatisfaction and frustration with their attorney. If you are concerned about the progress of your case please do not hesitate to call our office and speak with your attorney and be honest about the level of your frustration. Ask pointed questions to learn when you might expect to see results and what the attorney sees as the hold-ups in the settlement.
Clear communication is the key to working with your attorney. If you are both communicating, your attorney will know what your expectations are and can keep you informed in the process.
What can I share when I am looking for an attorney to represent me?
During your initial consultation you should share all relevant information with the attorney. Even if you do not end up hiring the attorney, everything you tell him or her during your meeting is subject to attorney-client privilege so honesty is in your best interest. Let the attorney decide what is or is not in your favor. It is much better for the attorney to know about complicating factors up front, because then your attorney can plan and strategize to counter that information. If you do not reveal it upfront it often comes back to hurt your case later.
