You’ve been bitten by a dog, you’re hurt, and now you’re wondering, is hiring a lawyer even affordable?
That’s one of the first questions most people ask when they start looking for help after a dog bite, especially in places like Los Angeles County where legal costs can vary.
A dog bite lawyer typically charges a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay upfront. Instead, the attorney takes a percentage of your settlement or award, usually between 30% and 40%, and only if you win. This model makes legal representation accessible, especially in personal injury cases like dog bites.
You may also encounter additional case-related expenses, such as court fees, expert witnesses, and medical records, which are often advanced by the attorney and deducted from the final settlement. Always confirm these details in your representation agreement.
Contingency Fee Explained
Legal fees can feel confusing, especially if you're already dealing with medical bills or lost wages. Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which makes it easier to get legal help without paying anything upfront.
This kind of fee means the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. You don’t have to worry about writing a check before anything starts, the payment comes from your final recovery.
Here’s how this fee structure works in simple terms:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t need to pay anything to start your case.
- Percentage-Based: Lawyers typically take between 30% to 40% of your recovery.
- Higher for Trial Cases: The percentage may increase if your case goes to court due to more legal work.
- No Win, No Fee: You won’t owe legal fees if you don’t win your case.
This setup makes legal services more accessible. It also means your lawyer has a reason to fight for a fair settlement because they don’t get paid unless you do.
Potential Case-Related Expenses
Even when your lawyer works on a contingency fee, there are some case-related expenses you should know about. These are separate from attorney fees and can include things needed to build or support your claim.
Many law firms will pay these upfront for you and subtract them from your final settlement. Still, it’s a good idea to understand what may come up during your case.
Some common costs include:
- Court Filing Fees: The cost to formally initiate your lawsuit.
- Medical Records & Consultations: Charges for obtaining medical documents or consulting specialists.
- Expert Witness Fees: Payment for expert opinions and deposition testimony.
- Mediation Costs: If your case goes into settlement negotiations or arbitration.
Ask your attorney how these expenses will be handled and whether they’re included in the contingency agreement. Knowing ahead of time helps you avoid surprises later.
Factors That Influence Total Legal Costs
The cost of a dog bite case isn’t the same for everyone. Some are settled quickly, while others take longer or need more work. A few specific things can make a case more expensive than others.
The seriousness of your injuries plays a big part. More medical treatment, longer recovery, or permanent damage usually means more work for your attorney and possibly more costs.
Other things that may raise the cost include:
- Injury Severity: Extensive or long-term injuries require more legal time and resources.
- Liability Disputes: If it’s unclear who’s at fault, the case becomes more complex and costly.
- Duration of Case: Cases that stretch over months or years often lead to higher attorney fees.
- Expert Involvement: Hiring experts (medical, psychological, forensic) increases expenses.
Each case is different. What’s important is knowing how these factors may affect what you pay and how your lawyer handles the process from start to finish.
How to Find Out the Costs Before Hiring
Understanding what legal help will cost is a big part of choosing the right lawyer. Before hiring someone to handle your dog bite case, take a little time to ask questions and read the fine print. This can help you feel more in control and avoid surprises later on.
Most dog bite law firms, including the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti Accident & Injury Lawyers offer a free legal evaluation. This first step gives you a chance to ask about fees, how the process works, and what your legal options are. It's a low-pressure way to see if the lawyer is a good fit for your needs.
Here are a few helpful steps to take:
- Request a Free Consultation: Most dog bite attorneys offer a no-cost case evaluation.
- Ask Specific Fee Questions: During the consultation, ask:
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- What percentage will you take?
- Does the fee change if we go to trial?
- Will you advance case-related costs?
- What other expenses should I expect?
- Review Your Representation Agreement Carefully: This legally binding document outlines:
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- Your responsibilities
- The lawyer’s fee structure
- Who pays for what and when
Always read the representation agreement before signing. This document covers important legal considerations, like how the fees are handled and who covers the case costs. If something isn’t clear, ask, a skilled lawyer should have no problem explaining.
If you're in California and need help after a dog bite, our experienced dog bite law firm is here for you. You can contact us through our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
